Gareth Southgate says Marcus Rashford’s form for Manchester United this season is the reason why he has been left out of England’s squad for Euro 2024.
Rashford has scored just eight goals in 42 appearances for United this term, while he was also disciplined by Erik ten Hag in January after missing a training session having attended a nightclub the previous evening.
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.
But Southgate has opted not to call upon the United forward for this summer’s tournament.
‘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,’ Southgate said after England’s provisional squad was announced on Tuesday afternoon.
‘With Marcus I just feel other players in that area of the pitch have had better seasons, it’s as simple as that.’
England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), James Trafford (Burnley).
Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Man City).
Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).
Forwards: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Man City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), James Maddison (Tottenham), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
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.
‘If you’ve got too many that can also be complicated. There’s a lot to think about over the next couple of weeks.’
Southgate also admitted Luke Shaw is in a race to be fit for Euro 2024 having not played for United since February due to injury.
‘He is up against it,’ Southgate said.
‘He’s missed a lot of football. Because he’s been our first choice left-back we are giving him more time. I’ve talked with him and the medical staff and I have liaised with Manchester United very closely. I have to say he is a long shot.’