Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is not part of the England squad at Euro 2024, missing his first ever major tournament.
England boss Gareth Southgate explained Marcus Rashford’s absence by saying there were other players who have simply had better seasons.
One of the players he picked instead was Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, who has not had a kick in the opening two games.
England won the opener 1-0 against Serbia with an unconvincing performance, before drawing the second game with Denmark 1-1.
Marcus Rashford brother hits out
Marcus Rashford’s season for Manchester United was a disappointing one by his own very high standards.
He scored only eight goals, after hitting 30 goals the previous campaign.
But at his best, Rashford is still an asset, and one England might have been able to use.
Rashford’s own brother and agent Dwaine Maynard expressed this, as his own personal view on Instagram.
He wrote, in reaction to England’s uninspiring 1-1 draw with Denmark: “It’s hard to sit and watch when you honestly believe your man could make the difference!”
Rashford pace could have benefitted England
It’s always messy when players’ family members and representatives start putting across their personal views, and this will be unhelpful to the England camp.
And while at times Rashford has struggled to ‘make a difference’ for Manchester United this past season, it is only natural to speculate that he could have helped the Three Lions out.
Gareth Southgate has set his side up playing very deep, especially after scoring early, which asked for trouble.
Having Rashford on the left wing as a speedy, dangerous outlet, could have been really useful for England’s attack, and also to pin the Danes back and make them more cautious.
Rashford does have a proven international pedigree, and he is the type of player England could probably use right now.
It is a view shared by Paul Scholes, who recent said that Rashford’s tournament ‘know-how’ would have aided the Euro 2024 squad.
Marcus Rashford must, however, reflect that he has to deliver for Manchester United over the next two seasons in order to make up for this disappointment, and make the 2026 World Cup squad.