In a surprising move, Marcus Rashford has not been included in England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024, according to reports. The Manchester United forward, aged 26, played a crucial role in the Three Lions’ journey to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup and has been a mainstay under Gareth Southgate in recent years.
Despite his previous contributions, Rashford has struggled this season with United, which appears to have influenced Southgate’s decision. As a result, Rashford will not be heading to Germany with the national team this summer.
The Athletic has reported that Rashford is absent from the squad, which will consist of over 30 players. The full roster is expected to be officially announced at 2 PM on Tuesday.
Since making his debut for England in 2016, Rashford has earned 61 caps and scored 17 goals. He was part of Southgate’s latest squad and made a brief 15-minute appearance against Brazil at Wembley.
Other notable absentees from the squad reportedly include Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, and Chelsea duo Ben Chilwell and Reece James, who have been dealing with injuries this season.
Rashford’s omission comes after a challenging season in which he netted just eight goals in 42 appearances for Manchester United. This follows a career-best campaign last year, where he scored 30 goals.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag recently emphasized the need to support Rashford through his difficulties, urging fans to stand by him. “I’ve a lot of sympathy for Rashy, of course,” said Ten Hag. “Last year, he had a brilliant season. I think the best season in his career, he scored 30 goals. You see what he is capable of.
“This season, he didn’t give the performances and people have been very critical. We have to back him and everyone should back him to get back to the levels of last year. I think he needs the support. We all know what he’s capable of, we all have to support and push him. He can do better than this year. We saw last year when he was really brilliant.”
As the football world reacts to this unexpected decision, the focus will be on how Rashford responds and works towards regaining his form and place in the national team.
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