England’s star-studded squad are competing in Euro 2024 in Germany this summer, eyeing the first-ever European Championship title in their history.
But the group of 26 players, who have come in for some heavy criticism for their performances in their opening group games, does not contain Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, who has been left out of the squad by Gareth Southgate.
Rashford 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.
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.
‘If you’ve got too many that can also be complicated. There’s a lot to think about over the next couple of weeks.’
Rashford has not spoken publicly since the decision to leave him out of the Euro 2024 squad was announced.
The forward played six times for England in Euro 2024 qualifying, scoring two goals in the process.
Rashford has played 60 times for England since making his debut back in 2016, finding the back of the net 17 times in total.