Gareth Southgate has explained why he has not included Marcus Rashford in his England squad for Euro 2024.
On Tuesday Southgate named a provisional 33-man squad, but there is no place for Manchester United attacker Rashford.
The 26-year-old has been a near ever-present in England squads during Southgate's time in charge, but he has had an underwhelming 2023-24 season.
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Rashford has scored just seven Premier League goals for United this term, and hasn't found the back of the net in over two months.
When asked during a press conference why he didn't select Rashford, Southgate replied: "I just feel other players in that area of the pitch have had better seasons."
Rashford was named in England squads for European Championships in 2016 and 2021 and World Cups in 2018 and 2022, and has scored 17 goals in 60 caps.
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In Rashford's absence, Southgate selected attackers including Ivan Toney, Eberechi Eze and Anthony Gordon.
Other high-profile absentees include Chelsea trio Ben Chillwell, Raheem Sterling and Reece James, along with Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope, Bayern Munich midfielder Eric James and Ajax man Jordan Henderson.
On not selecting the 33-year-old, Southgate said: "It’s difficult for me to leave Henderson out of the squad, he’s always been supportive
"The determining factor was the injury he picked up in the last camp. He's missed five weeks and hasn't been able to get to the intensity required."
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Southgate handed surprise call-ups to Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, while 19-year-old Man United starlet Kobbie Mainoo has also been selected.
Southgate will announce his final 26-man squad for the tournament on June 8, after friendlies against Bosnia & Herzegovina at St James' Park (June 3) and Iceland at Wembley Stadium (June 7).
The Three Lions will kick off their Euros group stage campaign on June 16 against Serbia, before facing Denmark (June 20) and then Slovenia (June 25).
Topics: England, Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate, Marcus Rashford, Manchester United, Premier League
Alex Brotherton