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Scotland have failed in a bid to persuade England Under-21 defender Alfie Mawson to switch his international allegiance.
The Scottish FA had become aware of the Swansea City central defender’s eligibility and even dispatched national team scout Steven Pressley to have a look at the 23-year-old in action.
But after making enquires into whether London-born Mawson would be interested in being considered for Gordon Strachan’s squad, the former Barnsley captain told Scotland that he wanted to focus on earning a full England call-up.
Mawson, who began his career at Brentford, has made 26 appearances for the Swans this season, netting six goals, after making a £5.5 million switch from Barnsley last summer.
The 6ft 2in stopper made 58 starts in his only campaign at Oakwell as Barnsley earned promotion back to the Championship via the play-offs.
A dearth of high-quality centre-back options has left Scotland casting their net far and wide in search of suitable candidates but Mawson has turned down the opportunity to change his allegiance for now.
Mawson made his England under-21 debut against France last November and is hoping to add to his solitary cap in tonight’s clash in Germany, with Aidy Boothroyd’s side taking on Denmark three days later.
Mawson, speaking to thefa.com, he said: “It’s been a rollercoaster of a year, so just to be in the Premier League and representing my country, it’s mental for me.
“It’s been brilliant, but you’ve got to take these things in your stride and not get too worked up or excited.
“It’s good to be called up again and it’s a proud moment. It was brilliant last year, it was the first time for me and a very good experience for myself.
“I took a lot away from it, it was great to get my first cap and it was a very proud moment so I just hope that can continue and I can get some more.”
