Marlon King, a former Premier League striker, was selected to play for the Jamaican national team despite being a registered sex offender. The team had previously approached Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood, but he declined the offer. King was convicted of sexual assault in 2009 after punching a woman who objected to him groping her in a nightclub. He was jailed for 18 months and later played for Jamaica in 2012 before being suspended from the next two World Cup qualifiers for breaking curfew. King retired from football shortly after.
King has a history of criminal behaviour, including drink-driving, threatening behaviour, and criminal damage. He played for several British teams, including Nottingham Forest, Watford, Birmingham City, and Sheffield United, scoring 162 goals throughout his career. He also scored 24 goals for Jamaica, nicknamed the Reggae Boyz.
Greenwood, on the other hand, declined the opportunity to play for Jamaica even though he is unlikely to be selected for England by Gareth Southgate again. The Manchester United player has not given up on his Three Lions dream despite falling out with the England manager. Greenwood qualifies for Jamaica through his mother’s side and could be eligible to play for them in September. However, he is keen to resurrect his England career after making his debut at 18 away to Iceland in 2020.
Greenwood’s hopes of playing for England again may be in jeopardy after he and teammate Phil Foden were sent home from the team hotel for breaching Covid rules by smuggling two women into their room. Greenwood has not played for England since and is waiting to hear if Manchester United will re-integrate him after charges of attempted rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behaviour were dropped last month.
Despite his talent, Southgate places a great deal of importance on how the squad gels, which may affect Greenwood’s chances of playing for England again. Meanwhile, the Jamaica Football Federation boss believes that Greenwood will add value to any team he is on and has a bright future ahead of him.
In conclusion, Marlon King’s selection for the Jamaican national team despite being a registered sex offender raises questions about the team’s selection process. On the other hand, Mason Greenwood’s decision not to play for Jamaica may be influenced by his desire to play for England again. However, his hopes of doing so may be affected by his past behaviour and Southgate’s emphasis on squad cohesion.