Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag issued a blunt verdict on Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish after they were left out of England's Euro 2024 squad.
Rashford was not included in England's initial 33-man provisional squad for the tournament, with Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate stating that other players had better seasons in his position.
Grealish, who won his third consecutive Premier League title with Manchester City this season, was named in the provisional squad - and many expected him to travel to Germany as part of the final squad.
But the winger's form this season seemingly persuaded Southgate not to take him, with Grealish one of the seven players to be cut from the final 26-man squad.
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For Rashford, it is the first tournament he has not been a part of since he made his England debut before 2016, while Grealish played at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.
Both players had to watch on from elsewhere as England secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia on Sunday night in their first group game.
And Ten Hag, who was on punditry duty for Dutch broadcaster NOS, gave a blunt analysis of why neither man had made it into the final Euro squad.
He said: "Grealish and Rashford were both lacking this season. And when you are lacking, you risk not getting picked for your country."
Ten Hag will continue managing Rashford at United next season, with the Dutchman confirmed to be staying at Old Trafford after an internal end-of-season review.
He revealed to NOS that United representatives had flown to Ibiza and interrupted his holiday to deliver the news that he would be remaining in post, with the two parties in discussions over a new contract.
"Man United disturbed my holiday, they suddenly stood at my doorstep," he said.
"Man United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract. This isn't easily done, we are still going to have to talk about this.
"INEOS took their time. They are new in football, it is normal to reflect the season. It's no secret that they talked with multiple candidates."
Topics: Jack Grealish, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Marcus Rashford, England, Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate, Manchester United
Ryan Smart