Gareth Southgate says Marcus Rashford has been left out of England's provisional squad for Euro 2024 because “other players have had better seasons than him”.
The Manchester United forward, who has eight goals in 42 games for the club this season, was one of two key omissions, along with former vice-captain Jordan Henderson, from the 33-man Three Lions squad preparing for Germany this summer.
Rashford was previously named in Southgate's all-England major tournament squad but will now watch his country compete for the Euro 2024 title at home.
“Of course it is a difficult decision,” Southgate told a press conference. “You’re talking about some very good players who have played a major role in what we’ve done over the last few years.
“With Marcus, I think the other players on that pitch have had better seasons. It’s as simple as that.”
Gareth Southgate has explained why Marcus Rashford was not included in England's Euro 2024 squad.
Another significant absence from the England squad was Henderson, who has endured a tumultuous season for the club. The former Liverpool captain joined Saudi Arabian side Al Etifaq last summer and moved to Ajax in the January transfer window despite retaining his place in the Three Lions squad.
“Hendo gave himself every opportunity,” Southgate said. “The deciding factor was the injury he suffered in the last camp (in March). He was out for five weeks and hasn’t played at his intensity since.
“He is a fantastic professional. It was a difficult decision to make because he was very important and supportive during my time.”
“All the boys I spoke to: Ben (Chilwell), Marcus and Jordan who were with us last time, they were all incredibly professional and considering the disappointment they coped well.”
Shows 'long shot' for euro despite calls.
I doubt Luke Shaw will suffer any serious injury in the Euros.
Southgate had named 33 players for England's training camp ahead of friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland in early June, but had reduced that number to 26 by 11pm on 7 June, nine days before the start of the Three Lions tournament against Serbia. It needs to be reduced.
The England manager recalled left-back Luke Shaw despite the defender having been sidelined with a muscle injury since mid-February.
Southgate has delivered the worrying news that England's first-choice left-back option Shaw is in serious doubt for the tournament.
Southgate said of Shaw's fitness: “I have to say he's against it. He's missed a lot of football.”
“Due to the fact that he was the first choice for the position, we will probably have to give him longer than we did. I’m not sure what is realistic at this moment.
“I have spoken to him and the medical staff are in close contact with United, but I would have to say he is out of the question.”
Can Britain go all the way? ‘Of course, of course’
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England manager Gareth Southgate gave his answer to the question of whether England can win the Euros.
England enter the tournament after coming agonizingly close to winning the trophy three years ago when the Three Lions lost on penalties to Italy in the final at Wembley.
Asked if his side could go one step further, the England manager replied: “I'd be a fool to say no, but that doesn't mean we don't have a lot of work ahead of us.”
“There is no doubt about what is possible. The team is already close. They know what is possible, they know what they have achieved at club level and they know what needs to be done.
“And equally, you can see the cup football that we will be participating in. We know that we have to navigate game by game and qualify from our group.
“But in knockout football, the Champions League has shown that Manchester City and Arsenal are among the top three teams of the year and they haven’t gotten where they want to be because of one moment and a good margin.
“That's our world. We've got to deliver in that moment. But are we one of the teams that can win? Absolutely.”
What's next for England? key dates
Always BST
Monday, June 3 – International friendly, England v Bosnia and Herzegovina, 7.04pm kick-off at St James' Park.
Friday, June 7th – International Friendly, England v Iceland, Wembley, 7.45pm kick-off.
Friday, June 7th – Final 26-man squad submitted to UEFA
Saturday, June 8 – Announcement of final 26-member squad
Monday, June 10th – England national team flies to Germany
England's potential Euro 2024 path
group stage
The top two teams and the four best third-place teams from each group advance to the tournament.
Sunday 16 June – Group C: Serbia vs England (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen – Kick-off 8pm UK time)
Thursday 20 June – Group C: Denmark vs England (Frankfurt Waldstadion – Kick-off 5pm UK time)
Tuesday June 25 – Group C: England vs Slovenia (RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne – Kick-off 8pm UK time)
