Southgate’s Controversial Decision to Leave Out Rashford
England manager Gareth Southgate has faced criticism for omitting Marcus Rashford from the Euro 2024 squad. Despite a challenging season with Manchester United, former England star Michael Owen believes Rashford should have been included due to his unique abilities.
Rashford Excluded Despite Owen’s Support
Southgate’s decision to exclude Rashford, along with other seasoned players like Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling, has stirred controversy. Instead, the squad includes promising yet uncapped players such as Adam Wharton, Curtis Jones, and Jarell Quansah. Southgate justified Rashford’s exclusion by stating that “other players have had better seasons.” Rashford, taking the high road, wished the team well in the tournament.
Rashford’s Difficult Season with Manchester United
Rashford’s season with Manchester United has been underwhelming, with only seven Premier League goals to his name. This performance has seen him outperformed by peers like Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer, and Ollie Watkins. Despite his struggles, Owen argues that Rashford’s pace and experience in international tournaments make him an invaluable asset, especially in a large squad where his potential could outweigh the risks.
Owen’s Reaction to Southgate’s Choice
Expressing his surprise on social media, Owen stated: “Very surprised Gareth Southgate has left Marcus Rashford out of his squad. Granted he’s had a poor season by his standards but tournament football is different and he’s always been confident in an England shirt. We’ve many talented attacking players but very few with Rashford’s pace. In such a big squad, he was worth the risk.”
England’s Prospects without Rashford
This marks the first time Southgate has not included Rashford in an England squad, but the team still boasts considerable attacking talent. Fans will get their first glimpse of Southgate’s choices when England faces Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland in upcoming friendlies ahead of Euro 2024. These matches will be crucial in assessing whether the new inclusions can fill the void left by seasoned players like Rashford.
Subheading: Southgate’s New Selections for Euro 2024
Southgate’s decision to introduce fresh faces into the squad could be a strategic move aimed at injecting new energy and talent. Adam Wharton, Curtis Jones, and Jarell Quansah represent the next generation of English football, bringing youthful enthusiasm and a hunger to prove themselves on the international stage. While their lack of experience may be a concern, their recent performances at the club level suggest they could be valuable additions.
Subheading: The Impact of Rashford’s Absence
The omission of a player of Rashford’s caliber inevitably raises questions about the team’s offensive capabilities. Known for his speed and ability to change the course of a game, Rashford’s absence might be felt in crucial moments during the tournament. Southgate will need to rely heavily on other forwards to step up and fill the gap, ensuring the team remains competitive against Europe’s best.
Subheading: The Road Ahead for Rashford
For Marcus Rashford, this exclusion could serve as a turning point. The disappointment might fuel his determination to bounce back stronger next season. With the right mindset and support, Rashford has the potential to reclaim his place in the national team and continue contributing to England’s future campaigns.
Conclusion
Gareth Southgate’s decision to leave Marcus Rashford out of the Euro 2024 squad has sparked significant debate among fans and pundits alike. While the inclusion of fresh talent is a positive move, the absence of experienced players like Rashford could pose challenges. As England prepares for the tournament, only time will tell if Southgate’s bold choices will pay off. For Rashford, the focus now shifts to his performance at Manchester United, where he will aim to prove his critics wrong and earn his way back into the national team.
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