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‘Won’t be a bad thing for him’: Ian Wright SUPPORTS Gareth Southgate’s decision to drop Marcus Rashford for the Senegal clash, despite clamor for the in-form Three Lions striker to start after three goals in the season group stage in Qatar
Ian Wright and Gary Neville have defended Gareth Southgate’s decision to leave out Marcus Rashford for England’s World Cup round of 16 tie against Senegal.
Despite being the team’s top scorer in the competition so far, Gareth Southgate chose to start Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka for the Three Lions’ first knockout game since their home defeat in the Euro 2020 final last year. .
Speaking on ITV before the game, the former Arsenal star said Rashford’s omission was evidence of England’s depth of attacking talent.
Ian Wright defended Gareth Southgate’s decision to drop Marcus Rashford for England’s round of 16 clash with Senegal
“Marcus will be disappointed not to start after the way he’s been.” Wright said.
‘Saka has been a good player for him. I think we have one of the best benches in the competition. It won’t be a bad thing for Rashford. We have to pull their entire backs back. The full-backs have been very good in this tournament for Senegal.’
Fellow pundit Gary Neville said the Manchester United star will get his chance off the bench.
Rashford is currently England’s top goalscorer in the tournament and scored a brace against Wales.
‘He would have wanted someone on the bench who could come off the bench and be lightning fast. Unfortunately, we can’t have Sterling, so I think Rashford will be the first replacement. I think he interrupts them a bit, but they have two strong fronts.
Speaking before the game, Southgate explained that Saka’s choice to start Rashford again was a tactical decision on his part.
‘Saka was excellent in our first two games, Rashford was excellent too, but we have an embarrassment of riches in that department. We have to play on our strengths, show our resilience and experience. We have to be there with the answers.
Rashford was named Man of the Match for his performance in England’s win against Wales.
Rashford scored his first international goal in a major tournament in England’s first World Cup game after appearing as a second-half substitute as Southgate’s side began their campaign with a dominant 6–2 win over Iran.
Despite the goal, the 25-year-old was again limited to a substitute appearance in the team’s second outing in Qatar, coming off the bench in the closing stages as England stumbled to a disappointing goalless draw.
With England’s qualification to the round of 16 all but assured, the Manchester United star made his first start of the tournament in the latest Group B clash against Wales.
But Southgate preferred Arsenal star Bukayo Saka on the right flank for the match.
Rashford proceeded to open the scoring at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium with a stunning free-kick, before adding another goal to his tally to secure England’s progress to the round of 16.
However, with the Manchester United star relegated to the bench for the must-win game, fans took to social media to question Southgate’s decision.
One Twitter user wrote: ‘Did RASHFORD go down? That’s a ridiculous decision, I hope Senegal wins.”
@Rome_yR wrote: ‘Not Rashford? Damn shame’
Another user added: ‘Rashford can’t be dropped tonight for sure, Southgate fired on the spot if so, criminal boys’
Supporters took to social media to share their discontent after Rashford was dropped.
@James_Hardy questioned Southgate’s decision: “So he’s in top form in the knockout stages and he’s been dropped, I don’t think Saka has done anything wrong either, but Rashford should be playing IMHO.”
Another user agreed: ‘Did RASHFORD fall? That’s a ridiculous decision, I hope Senegal wins.”
Another user wrote: ‘Rashford dropped by Southgate after one of his best performances for England and our top scorer? Saka goes in and Rashford goes out?
While @Bekimsejdija1 added: ‘Marcus Rashford went down. Southgate doing what he does. Leave the players in shape.