Marcus Rashford at Risk as Gareth Southgate Faces Dilemma Ahead of Euro 2024
England’s Preliminary Euros Squad and Marcus Rashford’s Uncertain Future
As England prepares for the upcoming European Championships, Gareth Southgate faces a challenging task in naming the preliminary squad. With defensive injuries and competition for forward spots, the selection process is under intense scrutiny.
Marcus Rashford’s Position
- Current Form: Rashford has not started for Manchester United since April 21 and hasn’t scored since March 17. His recent lack of form and game time puts his place in the final 26-man squad at risk.
- Competition: With the rise of players like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, and Jarrod Bowen, Rashford’s position is threatened. These players have shown consistent performances, making a strong case for their inclusion over Rashford.
- Historical Contribution: Rashford has been a key player in previous tournaments, but Southgate must balance past performances with current form and fitness.
Defensive Worries
- Luke Shaw: Shaw’s long-term hamstring issue makes his participation doubtful. His absence could be a significant blow given his importance to the squad.
- Ben Chilwell and Kieran Trippier: Chilwell’s fitness is also questionable, and Trippier has only started one game in the last three months. These uncertainties exacerbate England’s defensive worries.
- Other Defenders: Southgate may need to rely on less experienced or out-of-position players to fill the defensive gaps if Shaw and Chilwell are unavailable.
Other Key Players
- Harry Kane: Despite missing Bayern Munich’s last two games, Kane is expected to be fit for the Euros, providing a crucial boost to England’s attacking options.
- Anthony Gordon: Gordon’s Achilles injury raises doubts about his fitness. His performance for Newcastle has been impressive, but his ability to participate fully in the tournament remains uncertain.
- Jude Bellingham: With Real Madrid’s involvement in the Champions League final on June 1, Bellingham is expected to receive an extended break. He might only feature on the bench in the final warm-up against Iceland.
Squad Preparation
- Initial Training Squad: A 30-plus squad will be named, with the first training session set to begin next week. Players from Manchester City and Manchester United, involved in the FA Cup final, will join later.
- Friendly Matches: The larger squad will be used for early friendlies, with the final squad being trimmed to 26 players by June 8. The first friendly against Bosnia & Herzegovina might not feature players from City and United due to their extended break.
Conclusion
Gareth Southgate’s selection process for the Euros is fraught with challenges, from managing injuries to balancing experience with current form. Marcus Rashford’s inclusion is particularly uncertain, reflecting the broader complexities Southgate faces. The preliminary squad announcement on Tuesday will provide more clarity on England’s strategy heading into the tournament.
Marcus Rashford at Risk as Gareth Southgate Faces Dilemma Ahead of Euro 2024
