Gareth Southgate has issued a caution to Marcus Rashford, the forward for Manchester United, stressing that his conduct off the pitch will also be under scrutiny as England prepares to announce its squad for Euro 2024.
Rashford found himself omitted from United’s lineup for their FA Cup fourth-round victory over Newport County, following a reported incident where he was spotted in a Belfast nightclub and subsequently missed a training session, citing illness.
Manager Erik ten Hag later confirmed that Rashford had acknowledged his mistake and was reintegrated into the team.
However, Southgate has now raised concerns about Rashford’s potential inclusion in the England squad, highlighting the significance of his behavior.
“We’re approaching the squad selection for Euro 2024, and there’s a lot of attention on the players both on and off the field,” Southgate remarked.
“We’re constantly monitoring their performances and conduct throughout the season, and these factors will influence our decisions when it comes to selecting the final squad.”
While England is set to face Brazil and Belgium in friendlies later in March,
Southgate indicated that the upcoming matches may not necessarily determine the final squad for the tournament. However, he emphasized the importance of continuity and minimizing disruptions to the squad.
Rashford, a seasoned international with 59 caps for England, has been a regular member of the Three Lions squad.
However, his place in the starting lineup is not guaranteed, given the depth of talent available to Southgate in the attacking positions.
Competing with Rashford for a place in the squad are players such as Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, James Maddison, and Phil Foden.
Southgate faces the challenge of selecting the optimal blend of players to complement key figures like Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka in the attacking setup.
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 promising, his consistency and behavior both on and off the pitch will play a crucial role in determining his involvement in England’s Euro 2024 campaign.
