Marcus Rashford has broken his silence after being rejected from the England manager’s provisional 33-man squad by Gareth Southgate on Tuesday.
Rashford has endured a difficult campaign for Manchester United in the 2023/24 season, with just seven goals and two assists in the Premier League under Erik ten Hag, after a hugely impressive 2022/23 season.
That disappointing campaign has now meant he has now failed to even make it into the Three Lions boss’ training squad ahead of the European Championships this summer.
He wasn’t the only big name to miss the cut: Jordan Henderson, Reece James, Nick Pope, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell were also not selected.
Rashford took to Instagram immediately after the announcement to express his thoughts on the stump and remained professional despite the disappointment in a great testament to his maturity and character.
Marcus Rashford posted a fourteen-word statement on Instagram when announcing the squad
Rashford has had a difficult campaign for the Red Devils, scoring just seven goals in the Premier League
Ajax’s Jordan Henderson is another high-profile name left out of England’s European Championship squad
“I wish Gareth and the boys all the best for the upcoming tournament,” Rashford wrote on his social media channel.
Southgate, who has handed the 26-year-old 57 of his 60 caps, revealed the decision was a difficult one but insisted Rashford’s omission was solely down to his performances on the pitch.
“These are obviously difficult decisions,” the England manager said. “We are talking about players who are very good and who have been an important part of what we have done in recent years.
“With Marcus I just feel like players have had better seasons in that part of the field, it’s as simple as that.”
Southgate’s preliminary 33-man squad consisted of twelve forwards, many of whom are capable of playing in the left-wing position he usually occupies.
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has had a brilliant season at St James’ Park, scoring 21 goals in the Premier League. In addition to Manchester City’s Jack Grealish – who himself has had a frustrating campaign – Southgate has two proven options on that flank.
Opinions have been divided over the decision, but many on social media have supported Southgate’s decision.
“I know a lot of people won’t agree with that, but I feel like he does too [Southgate] is 100 percent right about this,” one fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
‘To be honest, respect Southgate’s decision. Rashford has underperformed this season and should not be called up for that,” said another.
‘The best thing Southgate has done. Maybe now he’s waking up at club level,” one person wrote.
“It’s no problem that Rashford isn’t going. Explain to me why Grealish is,” another commented.