Manchester United made the decision to drop Marcus Rashford for their FA Cup fourth-round victory over Newport County following reports of his absence from training the morning after being spotted in a Belfast nightclub.
Initially citing illness as the reason for missing training, Rashford’s nightclub appearance raised eyebrows and led to his exclusion from the squad.
United manager Erik ten Hag later confirmed that Rashford had taken responsibility for the incident and was subsequently reintegrated into the team. However, England manager Gareth Southgate has since raised concerns about Rashford’s behavior, casting doubt over his inclusion in the national squad.
With the Euros approaching, Southgate emphasized the importance of observing players both on and off the pitch in the lead-up to squad selection.
He acknowledged that much can change in the period between November and March, and emphasized the scrutiny placed on players as the final squad decisions loom.
England is scheduled to play friendlies against Brazil and Belgium in late March, providing an opportunity for Southgate to assess potential squad members. While these matches may not serve as the definitive squad announcement for the Euros, Southgate aims to minimize last-minute changes.
Rashford, a regular presence in the England squad with 59 caps to his name, faces stiff competition for a place in the final squad.
Despite his experience, he is not guaranteed a starting spot, particularly given the depth of talent available to Southgate in the attacking positions.
Players like Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, James Maddison, and Phil Foden are all vying for inclusion in the England squad, adding to the competition for places.
Southgate must carefully weigh his options to select the best combination of players to complement Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka in the attacking lineup.
At the club level, Rashford has contributed five goals and six assists in 28 appearances for Manchester United this season.
While his recent form has been relatively productive, with four goal involvements in his last five Premier League matches, his off-field behavior has raised questions about his suitability for international selection.
As Southgate navigates the complexities of squad selection, Rashford’s future in the England setup remains uncertain.
While his talent on the pitch is undeniable, his conduct off the field may influence Southgate’s decision-making process as he aims to assemble a squad capable of competing at the highest level in the upcoming tournament.
