Marcus Rashford faced repercussions from Manchester United after he was omitted from their FA Cup fourth-round victory over Newport County.
This decision came in the wake of Rashford’s absence from training, which occurred the morning after he was spotted at a nightclub in Belfast.
Despite initially citing illness as the reason for missing training, Rashford’s nightclub outing raised questions about his commitment.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag confirmed that Rashford had taken responsibility for his actions, leading to his eventual reinstatement into the first-team setup.
England manager Gareth Southgate has now raised concerns about Rashford’s behavior and its potential impact on his place in the national squad.
With the Euro 2024 tournament looming, Southgate emphasized the importance of monitoring players both on and off the pitch in the lead-up to squad selection.
England’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium serve as crucial opportunities for players to stake their claim for a spot in the final squad.
While Rashford has been a regular presence in the England setup, his recent off-field incident has cast doubt on his position.
Southgate faces tough decisions regarding squad selection, particularly in the attacking department, where competition for places is fierce.
Rashford, who boasts 59 caps for England, is vying for a place alongside the likes of Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka in the attacking trio. However, he faces stiff competition from a talented pool of players, including Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, James Maddison, and Phil Foden.
At the club level, Rashford’s form has been inconsistent this season, with five goals and six assists in 28 appearances for Manchester United.
While he has shown glimpses of his quality, particularly in recent Premier League outings, Rashford’s off-field conduct has raised questions about his focus and professionalism.
As Southgate weighs his options for the final squad, Rashford’s future in the England setup hangs in the balance. While his talent is undeniable, his recent indiscretion has added an element of uncertainty to his international prospects.
Ultimately, Rashford’s fate will be determined by his ability to maintain discipline both on and off the pitch in the crucial weeks leading up to squad selection.
