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Topics: Manchester United, England, Euro 2024, Marcus Rashford, Gareth Southgate, Football
Alex Brotherton
Topics: Manchester United, England, Euro 2024, Marcus Rashford, Gareth Southgate, Football
A former Manchester United player believes it would be "absolutely ridiculous" if Marcus Rashford starts for England at Euro 2024.
There was a time when Rashford's impressive form for United made him a guaranteed starter for England, but this season his performances have been well below par.
The 26-year-old has chipped in just five goals and six assists in 31 games in all competitions this term, a return hardly befitting of a player reportedly earning over £350,000 per week.
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Though he is still regularly included in Erik ten Hag's starting line-ups for United, there are doubts that he will enjoy the same luxury during the Euros this summer.
England boss Gareth Southgate will lead England into his fourth - and potentially final - major tournament at Euro 2024 in Germany.
The manager will pick the starting XI he thinks can end England's 58 years of hurt, and former Man United defender Paul Parker doesn't think Rashford should be anywhere near the pitch.
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"At best, he [Rashford] could be a sub," Parker told Gambling.com.
"He hasn’t got a right to start a game of football for his country. It would be absolutely ridiculous if it was to happen.
"You can’t pick someone who is not right at the tournament, who is nowhere near right. At the moment, he’s very fortunate he’s playing for his club.”
"So he shouldn't be starting for his country at the moment. Especially given the players that are around, he should be worried if he’s going to make the squad.
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"Because I certainly would be if my game had gone to pot, and I was giving away own goals, and getting myself booked because I mistimed challenges. And going forward I wasn’t crossing the ball - I would be worried."
On current form Rashford will struggle to get into the starting XI ahead of wide players Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer, while Harry Kane is a dead-cert to start in the central striking role.