In response to his omission from England’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024, Marcus Rashford took to social media to express his feelings. The Manchester United forward was left out of Gareth Southgate’s initial roster in favor of players like Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze, Jack Grealish, and Jarrod Bowen.
Southgate explained his decision by noting that these players had enjoyed better seasons at their respective clubs than Rashford, who ended the last Premier League campaign with only seven goals and two assists in 33 matches.
Rashford, who has been a regular starter under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, posted on social media following the announcement.
He shared an image of the latest England squad and wrote, “Wishing Gareth and the players all the best for the upcoming competition.” This message conveyed his support for the team despite his personal disappointment.
Rashford’s season at United had been disrupted by injury, which saw him miss four games in April. He only managed to feature as a substitute in the final two matches of the season. His exclusion from the England squad highlights the fierce competition for places, with Southgate having an abundance of attacking talent to choose from.
Another notable omission from the squad is Jadon Sancho, Rashford’s teammate, who has been performing well on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Sancho has not played for England since October 2021 after Southgate raised concerns about his club form. Similarly, Raheem Sterling of Chelsea remains out of the picture following his surprise exclusion from the 2022 World Cup squad.
At the club level, Rashford is among several United players who could be available for transfer if the right offer comes in. Reports suggest that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) considers Rashford a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe, should the French star leave the club. This speculation underlines the high regard in which Rashford is held internationally, despite his recent challenges.
Rashford’s exclusion from the England squad and the rumors surrounding his future at Manchester United reflect a tumultuous period for the 26-year-old forward.
However, his response to the news demonstrates a mature and supportive attitude, wishing his national team well as they prepare for a major tournament. The next steps in Rashford’s career, whether at United or potentially abroad, will be closely watched as he looks to regain his form and prove his doubters wrong.
