Marcus Rashford has broken his silence after being snubbed by Gareth Southgate for the England manager’s provisional 33-man squad on Tuesday.
Rashford has endured a trying campaign in 2023-24 for Manchester United, with only seven goals and two assists in the Premier League under Erik ten Hag, after a hugely impressive 2022-23.
That disappointing campaign has now seen him not even make the Three Lions’ training camp squad ahead of the European Championship this summer.
He was not the only big name to miss out on the cut, with Jordan Henderson, Reece James, Nick Pope, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell also unselected.
Rashford took to Instagram immediately following the announcement to offer his thoughts on the snub, and remained professional despite the disappointment in a huge testament to his maturity and character.
Marcus Rashford posted a 14-word statement on Instagram on the announcement of the squad
Rashford endured a trying campaign for the Red Devils with only seven Premier League goals
Ajax’s Jordan Henderson is another high-profile name left out of the England Euro squad
‘Wishing Gareth and the boys all the best for the up and coming tournament,’ Rashford wrote on his social media channel.
Southgate, who has handed the 26-year-old 57 of his 60 international caps, revealed that the decision was a tough one but insisted Rashford’s omission was solely down to his performances on the pitch.
‘These are of course difficult calls,’ The England manager said. ‘We’re talking about players who are very good and who have been an important part of what we’ve done over a number of years.
‘With Marcus I just feel that players in that area of the pitch have had better seasons, it’s as simple as that.’
Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad included 12 forwards, many of whom are capable of playing in the left-wing position he typically occupies.
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has enjoyed a stunning campaign at St James’ Park and registered 21 goal contributions in the Premier League. Alongside Manchester City’s Jack Grealish – who has had a frustrating campaign himself – Southgate has two proven options on that flank.
The decision is one that has divided opinion, yet many on social media have supported Southgate’s decision.
‘I know a lot of people will disagree, but I feel like he [Southgate] is 100 per cent right about this,’ one fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Southgate says that he picked players ahead of the forward as they had had better seasons
Fans have praised Southgate’s boldness and think the decision could ‘wake up’ Rashford
‘Honestly respect the decision by Southgate. Rashford underperformed this season and shouldn’t be handed a call up for it,’ another said.
‘Best thing Southgate’s done. Maybe he will wake up at club level now,’ one wrote.
‘No issue with Rashford not going. Explain to me why Grealish is,’ another commented.