While there was always a slight feeling that Marcus Rashford could suffer the same fate that befell Casemiro – left out of the Brazil squad after a poor season at Manchester United – that doesn’t mean there was not a degree of shock when Gareth Southgate announced his preliminary Euro 2024 squad on Tuesday.
Manchester United‘s number ten was not even included in the initial 33-man roster for England’s upcoming European Championship campaign, due to be cut down to 26 at a later date.
Yes, Marcus Rashford has endured arguably the most disappointing season of his club career. But Southgate is a manager who, in the past, has shown a willingness to back his trusted lieutenants even when their form has left a lot to be desired.
Rashford scored three goals for England at the Qatar World Cup as recently as a year-and-a-half ago. He also thumped in a brilliant finish against Italy in a very impressive 3-1 win back in October.
But, in a move that will please a lot of his critics, Southgate opted to go for players in-form over experienced international operators ahead of what feels likely to be his last tournament in the Three Lions dugout.
Marcus Rashford left out of England squad
“These are, of course, difficult calls,” Southgate told talkSPORT (21 May, 2pm) when asked to explain his reason for leaving Rashford at home.
“You’re talking about very good players, and who havae been important part in what we’ve done over a number of years.”
Southgate, who guided England to the final of the last European Championships – Rashford missing in the penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy at Wembley – feels that there are simply others in a better place as things stand, Ebere Eze, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, James Maddison, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins all capable of coming in off the left.
“I just feel that players in those positions had better seasons (than Rashford),” the former Middlesbrough captain adds. “It is as simple as that.”
Another blow for Marcus Rashford
In truth, like with his decision to leave out Jordan Henderson in favour of Adam Wharton and Man United’s own Kobbie Mainoo, it’s a call that appears very justifiable on reflection.
It is not just Rashford’s numbers that have dipped – from 30 goals last season to eight this – the standard of his performances have also been a pale imitation of those scintillating displays during Erik ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford.
Eze, in contrast, has been sparkling alongside United target Michael Olise at Crystal Palace. Gordon too, at Newcastle. Phil Foden, meanwhile, scored a pair of typically stunning goals in the 3-1 win over West Ham on Sunday which secured Man City yet another Premier League title.
“We all know Marcus has got the ability, the capabilities, to play at the top level,” Wayne Rooney, Man United and England’s all-time record goalscorer, told Sky Sports (15 May, 10pm).
“I just wonder, is it time for Marcus to go elsewhere? I want him to stay. I want him to break records at this club.
“But he has to get his head down and work harder.”