Paul Merson has expressed his shock over Gareth Southgate’s decision to snub Marcus Rashford in his provisional England squad for Euro 2024.
With 33 Premier League games played, the Manchester United forward has only managed two assists and seven goals this season.
Rashford has played frequently for England this season despite his difficulties at the club level. However, he was not included in the 33-man provisional squad prior to this summer’s Euros.
“I think it’s huge news,’ ex-England and Arsenal winger Merson told Sky Sports as echoed by The Metro.
“60 caps, played in tournaments, scored big goals, you can rely on him.
“Gareth usually picks players if he likes them, even if they’re out of form or even if they’re out the team.
“I’m really shocked, I am really shocked. Know he hasn’t been good recently but tournament football is so different.
“I would have taken him, 100%. I don’t know if it’s anything to do with up here [gestures towards his head], I don’t know is Gareth has spoken to him, I don’t know what’s going on in his life.
“But as a player, he’s got experience in tournament football, which is so different to anything else. He’s left out a lot of caps there.”
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Despite suffering more than one injury setback this season, Rashford appears to be in the running for this weekend’s FA Cup final. This is after making brief appearances in United’s last two league games.
The 26-year-old earned his 60th cap for England during the most recent international break. But he now has to contend with competition from several top opponents in order to salvage his international career.
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