Gareth Southgate has issued a stern warning to Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, emphasizing that his behavior off the pitch is being closely monitored as England prepares for the Euro 2024 squad announcement. This warning comes after Rashford was left out of Manchester United’s squad for their 4-2 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Newport County. Rashford had missed training after he was seen at a nightclub in Belfast, despite having initially reported himself as too unwell to participate in training.
Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, later confirmed that the 26-year-old forward had “accepted responsibility” for his actions and was quickly brought back into the first-team squad. However, Southgate’s recent comments suggest that Rashford’s place in the England squad is far from secure. Southgate highlighted the importance of player behavior both on and off the field as a key factor in squad selection.
“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 remarked. “Then in a few weeks’ time we’ll have decisions to make on the whole squad and there’s going to be a lot of attention on that because it’s the final squad before the Euros.”
England is set to face Brazil and Belgium in two friendlies in late March. Although Southgate’s selections for these matches do not have to be his final choices for the Euro 2024 tournament, he is likely to avoid making too many changes.
This means that Rashford, despite being a regular in the England squad with 59 caps, is not assured of his place. Southgate has a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, and selecting the third player to join Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka in the forward line is a highly competitive process.
Rashford’s competition includes notable players such as Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, James Maddison, and Phil Foden, all of whom are vying for a spot in Southgate’s final squad. This depth in talent means that any lapse in discipline or form could significantly impact Rashford’s chances of being selected for the tournament.
At the club level, Rashford’s performance this season has been solid, though not spectacular. He has scored five goals and provided six assists in 28 appearances for Manchester United, including four goal involvements in his last five Premier League matches. While these stats reflect a degree of effectiveness, they also highlight the stiff competition he faces both domestically and internationally.
Rashford’s situation serves as a reminder of the high standards expected of professional footballers, especially those representing their country. Southgate’s comments underline the broader context of squad selection, where off-field behavior is scrutinized just as closely as on-field performance.
The England manager’s approach indicates that discipline, commitment, and professionalism are crucial criteria in his decision-making process.
The upcoming friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium will provide a critical opportunity for Rashford and his competitors to make their case for inclusion in the Euro 2024 squad. Southgate’s final selection will aim to strike a balance between form, fitness, and the ability to handle the pressures of international competition. For Rashford, maintaining high standards in both his professional and personal life will be essential if he is to secure his place in the squad.
