Mason Greenwood.

Greenwood out of Under-21 European Championship

Tuesday 23 March 2021 14:45

Mason Greenwood has been forced to withdraw from the England squad for the Under-21 European Championship finals.

The Academy product has been in good form for Manchester United and, of course, scored our goal in Sunday's Emirates FA Cup defeat to Leicester City. Opta explained how his 22nd goal since the start of last season is the most by a teenager in any of the top-five European leagues. 

His withdrawal due to injury leaves Diogo Dalot (Portugal) and Matej Kovar (Czech Republic) as United's representatives in the tournament. Dalot is, of course, on loan at AC Milan, while Kovar has returned from a spell with Swindon Town.

England coach Aidy Boothroyd has called Norwich City's Todd Cantwell into his 23-man squad as a replacement.

What has Mason improved in his game?

 Article

The forward gave us an honest assessment of his form and revealed what he feels he is doing better.

Boothroyd's strong squad also includes Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, former Reds youngster Dwight McNeil of Burnley plus Arsenal duo Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah, the record scorer for England Under-21s. 

The first group assignment is against Switzerland on Thursday before facing Portugal on 28 March and Croatia three days later.

The knock-out stages will be held in Hungary and Slovenia in May and June.

WHO ARE THE CONTENDERS?

There will be a wealth of talent on show in the competition as 16 nations do battle for the trophy.

Group A: Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Romania.
Who to watch: Sixteen-year-old Youssoufa Moukoko has attracted attention at Borussia Dortmund but Anderlecht's Lukas Nmecha is another powerful attacking option for Germany. Justin Kluivert is one of the Netherlands' big names.

Group B: Czech Republic, Italy, Slovenia, Spain. 
Who to watch: United Under-23s keeper Kovar is uncapped at this level but has been named as one of the three stoppers in the Czech Republic squad. Sandro Tonali and Patrick Cutrone are in Italy's side while Spain can call upon Brahim Diaz and Riqui Puig.

Matej Kovar is back with United after a loan spell with Swindon Town.

Group C: Denmark, France, Iceland, Russia.
Who to watch: France must be one of the favourites to win the tournament with a powerful side, particularly in defence. Wesley Fofana, Ibrahima Konate and Jules Kounde have all been selected and other stellar names include Eduardo Camavinga and Houssem Aouar, with Matteo Guendozi and Odsonne Edouard offering plenty of experience. Russia draw heavily from the Moscow teams with CSKA's Fyodor Chalov a goal threat. 

Group D: Croatia, England, Portugal, Switzerland.
Who to watch: Away from England, Dalot's Portugal colleagues Pedro Goncalves and Rafael Leao could be worth keeping tabs on. Brighton striker Andi Zeqiri has an enviable goalscoring record with Switzerland.

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