This summer, England’s elite team will compete in Euro 2024 in Germany with the goal of winning their first-ever European Championship.
However, Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is not included in the group of 26 players, who have drawn harsh criticism for their performances in their four games thus far.
Gareth Southgate left Rashford out of the team. In just 42 games for United this season, Rashford has only eight goals. In January, Erik ten Hag also chastised Rashford for skipping a training session because he had been to a nightclub the night before.
The 26-year-old has been a key figure under Southgate having been included in England’s previous two World Cup squads in 2018 and 2022, as well as the European Championship in 2021.
Why isn’t Marcus Rashford playing for England?
Speaking about the decision to not call Rashford up for the Euros when the provisional squad was announced last month, Southgate said: ‘These are of course difficult calls, you’re talking about players who are very good players and who have been an important of what we’ve done over a number of years.
‘With Marcus I just feel other players in that area of the pitch have had better seasons, it’s as simple as that.’
Southgate also admitted he was wary of having too many attacking players in his England squad.
‘I’d also have to say I think you can take too many forwards as well,’ said Southgate.
‘You can have too many options in certain areas of the pitch. Of course, with forwards you’ve got to give them loved and make them feel special.
Having too many might also make things more difficult. Over the next weeks, there will be a lot to consider.
Since it was revealed that Rashford would not be included in the Euro 2024 team, he has not made any public statements.
During England’s six-game Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, the forward scored two goals.
Since making his debut for England in 2016, Rashford has participated in 60 games and scored 17 goals overall.