England manager Gareth Southgate has detailed his “difficult” phone call with Marcus Rashford, who he has excluded from his Euro 2024 squad. Rashford has endured a poor season at Manchester United but was a surprise omission from Southgate’s preliminary 33-man squad for this summer’s tournament.
The 26-year has represented England at the nation’s last four major international tournaments, scoring 17 goals in 60 caps.
But after enjoying a career-best 2022/23 campaign, in which he scored 30 times in all competitions, he has suffered a sharp regression during a disastrous season all-around at Old Trafford.
Rashford has managed just eight goals in 42 appearances, contributing to Erik ten Hag’s struggles in his second year in charge, which could result in INEOS sacking him after Saturday’s FA Cup final.
The United No. 10 has also paid the price for his own failings on the pitch and controversy off it this term by missing out on the action in Germany.
However, he showed his true colours during a private conversation with Southgate after being informed that he wasn’t going to have a seat on the plane in June.
“He will be hugely disappointed,” Southgate said while explaining Rashford’s headline omission from the initial group of 33 reporting into St George’s Park.
“He wants to play for England, he loves playing for England, and the opportunity to play in tournaments is why you play international football.
“But again, he was really respectful. I said to him: ‘You’ve got to go and score a couple of goals at the weekend now and put things right.’
“You are conscious for Marcus and Hendo [Jordan Henderson] really of the impact because they are two people who externally, they have people jump on them very quickly.
“And I think they know I am there to support them. Even though this has been a difficult conversation, both were really professional, really respectful.
“But of course, I am aware that that creates a bit more drama in their lives, which I don’t want them to experience but is a reality of the decision I’ve made.”
Rashford publicly displayed his class by sending Southgate and his England team-mates a message of support on social media after the announcement.
He wrote on Instagram: “Wishing Gareth and the boys all the best for the up and coming tournament.”
Southgate will trim his squad down to 26 on June 8, two days before flying to Germany to start the tournament against Serbia.
Meanwhile, Rashford will have a summer break away from the spotlight and a full pre-season, which could ultimately be a blessing in disguise after a campaign to forget.
