Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has admitted that he is stunned by Gareth Southgate’s decision to snub one Manchester United star from England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Gareth Southgate, who has been linked with Manchester United in recent months, will take charge of England at the UEFA competition this summer in Germany.
The 53-year-old’s long-term future as England manager remains uncertain after the tournament, with Southgate out of contract in December 2024.
Three Lions boss Southgate has taken charge of England at three major tournaments, including two World Cups and one European Championship.
England finished in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia under Southgate before reaching the final of Euro 2020, only to lose to Italy on penalties at Wembley.
Southgate’s last outing at a major tournament as England boss saw the Three Lions crash out of the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
England ensured their place at Euro 2024 with an impressive qualifying campaign, with the Three Lions finishing top of Group C without a single defeat.
Merson on Southgate snubbing Man Utd star
England manager Gareth Southgate on Tuesday confirmed his provisional 33-man squad for the Three Lions’ campaign at Euro 2024 this summer.
Southgate called up Manchester United stars for the England squad, including midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
However, a notable omission from the England squad was none other than Marcus Rashford, who was not selected by Southgate for the tournament in Germany.
Marcus Rashford has struggled to perform consistently at Old Trafford this season and the United star has failed to impress with his overall performances.
Despite his struggles this season, Paul Merson admitted that he was “really shocked” that the England international was not part of the provisional 33-man squad.
“I think it’s huge news,” he told Sky Sports.
“[Rashford has] 60 caps, played in tournaments, scored big goals, you can rely on him.
“Gareth usually picks players if he likes them, even if they’re out of form or even if they’re out [of] the team.
“I’m really shocked, I am really shocked. I know he hasn’t been good recently but tournament football is so different.
“I would have taken him, 100 per cent. I don’t know if it’s anything to do with up here [gestures towards his head], I don’t know if Gareth has spoken to him, I don’t know what’s going on in his life.
“But as a player, he’s got experience in tournament football, which is so different to anything else. He’s left out a lot of caps there.”
Southgate on snubbing Rashford from England squad
Rashford has since taken to social media and broken his silence over his failure to represent England at Euro 2024.
Southgate made his feelings clear on the decision regarding the United star during his press conference on Tuesday after the England squad was announced.
“These are of course difficult calls,” he said.
“You are talking about very good players who have been important in what we’ve done over a number of years.
“With Marcus, I just feel that other players in that area of the pitch had better seasons. It’s as simple as that.”