Gareth Southgate has issued a stern warning to Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford regarding his off-field behavior as the announcement of England’s Euro 2024 squad approaches.
This follows an incident where Rashford was dropped by Manchester United for their FA Cup fourth-round match against Newport County after he missed training. Rashford had initially reported himself too unwell to train but was later spotted at a nightclub in Belfast.
United’s manager Erik ten Hag addressed the situation, confirming that Rashford had “accepted responsibility” for his actions and was subsequently reintegrated into the first-team squad.
Despite this resolution at the club level, Southgate’s recent comments have cast doubt on Rashford’s place in England’s squad for the upcoming European Championship.
Southgate emphasized the importance of player conduct both on and off the pitch. “We’re five weeks away from picking a squad, although so much happens to players over the period between November and March that we’re always sitting and observing everything on and off the pitch,” Southgate said.
He added that in a few weeks, he and his team would have to make critical decisions about the squad, which would attract significant attention as it would be the final selection before the Euros.
England is set to play friendlies against Brazil and Belgium in late March. While this squad does not have to be the final selection for the summer tournament, Southgate is likely to avoid making substantial changes.
Rashford, who has been a regular presence with 59 caps for the national team, is not guaranteed a starting position. The competition for places is fierce, with players like Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, James Maddison, and Phil Foden all vying for a spot alongside Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka.
At the club level, Rashford has had a mixed season. He has scored five goals and provided six assists in 28 games for Manchester United.
Notably, he has been involved in four goals in his last five Premier League matches, showing signs of form. However, his off-field behavior has brought scrutiny that could impact his international prospects.
Southgate’s comments highlight the broader responsibility that comes with representing the national team.
The England manager’s remarks suggest that while performance on the pitch is crucial, the behavior and professionalism of players off the pitch are equally important. This holistic approach to player selection underscores the standards Southgate expects from those who wear the England jersey.
Rashford’s situation is a reminder of the fine line players must walk between their professional commitments and personal lives.
The incident in Belfast has served as a wake-up call for the forward, who now faces increased scrutiny from both his club and national team managers. The coming weeks will be critical for Rashford as he seeks to prove his commitment and professionalism ahead of the Euros.
As Southgate and his team prepare to finalize their squad, they will be closely monitoring not just the performances but also the conduct of all potential players.
The incident involving Rashford serves as a cautionary tale for all players about the importance of maintaining high standards both on and off the field. The final squad selection will not only reflect the best footballing talents but also those who exemplify the values and discipline required to represent Englandon the international stage.
