Mason Greenwood Praised For His Response To Harry Maguire Question During First England Press Conference
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Mason Greenwood has been praised for the way he handled a difficult question about teammate Harry Maguire during his first England press conference.
Last week, the 18-year-old received his first call-up to the England senior squad for the Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Denmark, alongside the likes of Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Kalvin Phillips.
After an impressive campaign for Manchester United, where he scored 17 goals in all competitions, England manager Gareth Southgate described Greenwood as a "huge part of England's future" after the call-up.
And just days after Southgate's comments, the teenager was thrust into the media spotlight to take part in his first international pre-match press conference, where he was asked about Harry Maguire's current situation.
Maguire was arrested on the Greek Island for attacking police after a fight outside a bar. He later claimed he feared for his life after being arrested in Mykonos, as he thought he was being kidnapped.
The defender's situation is still in the air and with that in mind, a reporter decided to ask Greenwood about his teammate during Tuesday's press-conference.
"This next question is a difficult one," he began. "Obviously I have to ask you about your Manchester United teammate and captain Harry Maguire, who has been dropped from this squad - your first squad to have been called up for - for those very high profile reasons.
"You know him really well...what do you make of what's happened to him?"
:speaking_head: "It's really not for me to say, I'm looking forward to seeing him back in the squad"
- Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 1, 2020
Mason Greenwood when asked about Harry Maguire pic.twitter.com/kqpbrxiasm
Greenwood composed himself and responded with maturity and class.
"It's really not for me to say," he said. "Obviously Harry is a great lad and I'm looking forward to seeing him back at the club when I finish this international break."
A shit question that actually didn't need to be asked, handled perfectly by an 18 year old. Nicely done Mason. :clap::clap::clap:
- Jay Motty (@JayMotty) September 1, 2020
pic.twitter.com/rVvNY3nBnY
Mason Greenwood's first England Press Conference like he's been there for years straight talking, level headed guy he's going to be a big, big player!
- Rob Hughes :flag_ye: (@rob_hughes20) September 1, 2020
@masongreenwood gave a great press conference!
- Jake.. (@_UTDJake) September 1, 2020
Strong mentality and hungry for growth.
My avi and inspiration! pic.twitter.com/tQXaC2ZyYw
@FA why didn't your press officer step in and block this being asked? Why didn't Southgate? Spineless. @masongreenwood handled it perfectly on the other hand, well done r kid. https://t.co/3gggOJoy9e
- James :beginner: (@james_procter) September 2, 2020
Away from the Harry Maguire question and Greenwood called his England call-up a "dream come true".
"It's every young boy's dream," he said. "I'm privileged and honoured to be selected. It's a good group of lads and I'm just happy to be here.
"There's a lot of talent from England right now, in the Premier League and abroad, and the young lads are capable of doing it as you can see with the performances on the pitch.
"It's good to see all the young lads coming through and pushing for places.
"I feel ready to compete with anyone. Like in the league, I'll just go out there with a smile on my face and just play football."
"It's good that everyone is pushing for places, it makes the training better."
Thoughts on Gareth Southgate's decision to give Mason Greenwood his first England call-up?
Let us know in the comments.
