Marcus Rashford has been selected in the England’s Under-21s squad for the upcoming European Championships qualifier with Norway.
The Manchester United striker, who was part of Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions squad for Euro 2016 this summer , has apparently paid for his lack of game time with the Red Devils so far this season.
Rashford is yet to play a single minute under Jose Mourinho this term with Sam Allardyce keen to keep his development going with a spell at Under-21 level.
On the selection of Rashford, Southgate said: “Sam [Allardyce] is quite keen that people are playing regularly, we think that it’s now a good opportunity in his international development for him to be with the U21s.
“Marcus is a young player and still developing so this is a big part of his international education really.
“We’ve got a good week’s work ahead with a very strong squad and we’re playing Norway, who are doing similar with their players as they’ve just named Martin Odegaard in their squad.
“We’ve had it in the past with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, John Stones and Calum Chambers joining us after being with the seniors, so it’s something we’re familiar with.
“Marcus has a good mentality, so I know he’ll respond in the right way and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
Joining him in boss Gareth Southgate’s 24-man squad are Arsenal new boy Rob Holding, Jack Grealish of Aston Villa and Derby’s Will Hughes, who returns after a lengthy injury lay-off.
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