England boss Gareth Southgate has explained his decision not to call up Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood to the England squad.

Southgate announced his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, but decided not to include in-form Greenwood.

Many fans were expecting the versatile attacker to get the nod, especially after his Manchester United teammate Jesse Lingard received a call-up.

Southgate explained his reasons to reporters after the announcement.

"He is in our thoughts, very much," said Southgate.

"I spoke with him and his club. He's a player we really like and he's got every possibility to be a top England player.

"We're all conscious we make that progression at right time. He's just breaking into team at United with lot of responsibility and we want to get our progression with our seniors so we get best possible player at the end.

"We're all aligned with that, Mason the club, his family. We decided it's best he stays with his club."