Gareth Southgate gives reason from dropping Sancho and Rashford on latest England squad while Gearlish made the list
Gareth Southgate throws Man United's Marcus Rashford World Cup lifeline despite latest England squad snub
Manchester United’s attacker has been left out of England’s squads for games against Italy and Germany.
England boss Gareth Southgate has given Marcus Rashford renewed hope of making the World Cup squad.
The Manchester United forward has not played for his country since losing to Italy in the European Championship final at Wembley Stadium in July 2021.
After a disappointing 2021-22 season, the forward has rebounded and begun this season with three goals and two assists for Erik ten Hag’s team. Many predicted Rashford will be called up for the final two matches before the World Cup in November.
However, an untimely injury has kept him out of the matches against Italy and Germany this month.
Southgate refused to rule out Rashford making the final cut for Qatar after presenting his 28-man team for the Nations League double-header, challenging the United striker to “achieve at a high level in the coming weeks.”
“There were some players we wanted to keep involved this time, but it doesn’t mean it’s the end for some of the others who aren’t,” Southgate explained.
“Marcus Rashford, for example, has recently shown some promising signs. He is a player we are familiar with, so if he can perform at a high level in the next weeks, he will be considered.”
Southgate also issued a warning to Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw ahead of the World Cup, as both players are presently fighting for a place in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI.
