Gareth Southgate has defended his decision not to start Marcus Rashford during England's World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.
The Three Lions manager came in for criticism over the winter regarding his decision to bench the Manchester United forward for both of their knockout games, firstly handing him 26 minutes once the round-of-16 tie against Senegal was won before a meagre six-minutes in the eventual 2-1 defeat to Didier Deschamps' side.
Southgate twice opted for Manchester City's Phil Foden down the right for the knockout stages, and his decision was especially peculiar, given the Rashford's brilliant brace in the 3-0 win against Wales - his first and only start in Qatar. But the England boss, who has decided to stay in charge for the 2024 European Championships, has defended his choice.
