With the Reggae Boyz’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign set to kick off in just under two months, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts says they are still working on trying to recruit England-born midfielder Mason Greenwood to bolster the attacking line-up.

Greenwood, 22, has one cap for England, from a 1-0 away win over Iceland in a 2020–21 UEFA Nations League A match, coming on as a 78th-minute substitute.

He is on loan at LaLiga club Getafe from English Premier League side Manchester United this season. Both England and Manchester United have distanced themselves from Greenwood recently because of an arrest and charges against him in a domestic case against his girlfriend. He was charged for attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was also arrested for threats to kill.

All of the charges were dropped in February 2023 with England and Wales’ Crown Prosecution Services citing the withdrawal of key witnesses and “new material that came to light”.

Manchester United’s striker Mason Greenwood (left) is challenged by Everton’s Josh King during their English Premier League match at Old Trafford in Manchester, England on February 6, 2021. (Photo: AFP)

After over a year of suspension by Manchester United, the club had deemed he would no longer be part of the team following their lengthy internal investigation including discussions with key stakeholders such as their women’s team and sponsors.

He is, however, eligible to represent Jamaica through his father Andrew based on a FIFA rule that allows him to switch nations. However, it is understood that Greenwood has missed at least two Jamaican passport appointments, and reports out of England have suggested that his father Andrew is still harbouring thoughts of Greenwood representing England in the future.

Ricketts told the
Jamaica Observer that Greenwood would be an excellent addition to the Reggae Boyz team, and he remains hopeful that he will opt to represent Jamaica soon.

“We are still waiting on some logistical issues,” Ricketts said. “I know that he is still interested, and we are still working. It’s a work in progress, and we are still optimistic and hopeful.”

Ricketts spoke of Greenwood’s versatility, his dexterity with both feet, and his potential to bolster the team’s attack in the upcoming World Cup qualifying tournament, starting on June 6 against the Dominican Republic at the National Stadium.

“He will certainly make a positive impact once he is here,” Ricketts said. “So the coach [Heimir Hallgrimsson] and manager [Roy Simpson] are working on it. He would certainly boost the attacking part of our football because I think he is good on either side of the field, so he would really be impactful if we were to get him.”

Greenwood has scored six goals in 25 appearances for Getafe so far this season.