Marcus Rashford: England were back in action for the first time after the World Cup as they traveled to Naples. Rashford in particular have been in electric form post-World Cup but sustained a knock in Manchester United’s last against Fulham in FA Cup. The winger used the rare rest from the game to head to New York, highlighting a lot of questions, as his absence heightens the risk of being left out the Gareth Southgate’s first-team plan for the Euro 2024. Follow Football LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
The Three Lions recorded a win and captain Harry Kane registered his name as England’s top goal goalscorer with 54 goals edging past Wayne Rooney. Gareth Southgate’s team were missing a few of their key members Marcus Rashford, Nick Pope, and Mason Mount as the trio withdrew from the Southgate’s squad.
England will next play Ukraine at Wembley in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers, the kind of talent at the helm of the Three Lions squad, Gareth Southgate has a mammoth task to map his ideal starting eleven. Having come close to getting their hands on International Silverware in the last three major international tournaments, Southgate has set his eye on Euro 2024 in Germany. England’s attacking frontline has an intriguing situation, as apart from Harry Kane’s position other positions are up for grabs.
The absence of Rashford and Sterling led to a tussle between Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Phil Foden. Sterling was not selected due to injury, meanwhile, Rashford opted out before taking a holiday in New york. The Manchester United winger appeared to be enjoying himself in New York with his partner Lucia Loi, and made an interesting choice to post an Instagram post in the hours leading up to kick-off in Italy, captioned ‘Downtime’.
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The 25-year-old pulled out of Southgate’s squad due to a knock he picked up in the win over Fulham at Old Trafford in the FA Cup tie last weekend. However, neither United nor the FA confirmed the specifics of the injury or the severity of it as the extent of his injury is still unknown.
Rashford has pulled out from five of the last six non-tournament England squads for which he was selected, moreover, when asked about it, Southgate spoke straightforwardly about his absence this week.
Speaking to BBC, the England manager says, ‘Well, the feeling was he was playing really well, but we haven’t often had him,’ he added, ‘So, in terms of a loss, when you haven’t had him that often then it’s different to being a loss. But without a doubt he was in good form. We were looking forward to seeing him.’
It is understandable Rashford needed a break, a much-required one, given the heavy load he has been carrying under Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag leading to success in the current campaign. However, Southgate will take notice that Rashford was holidaying while his side was up against the European Champion, Italy.
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