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Ben Hayward

Why is Marcus Rashford not in the England squad?

Marcus Rashford is hugged by England manager Gareth Southgate after being substituted against Wales in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Marcus Rashford was not included on the list when England manager Gareth Southgate named a 33-man preliminary squad for Euro 2024 in late May.

Southgate will need to trim that selection down to 26 for the tournament in Germany, which kicks off on June 14, but Rashford's omission from his provisional picks shows the Manchester United forward is not currently in his thoughts.

Rashford was handed his England debut by Roy Hodgson in 2016, but most of the 26-year-old's 60 caps have come under Southgate and he has been in the squads for the last four major tournaments with the Three Lions.

Marcus Rashford looks dejected during a Manchester United game against Liverpool in April 2024. (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Manchester-born forward has scored 17 goals for England, with 16 of those coming under Southgate. He netted three at the 2022 World Cup and was on target twice in Euro 2024 qualifiers last year.

Previously a favourite of the England manager, his omission from the Euro 2024 squad has caused some controversy. So why is there no place for the 26-year-old?

"These are of course difficult calls," Southgate said in a press conference when asked about the exclusion of Rashford and former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson.

"You are talking about very good players who have been important in what we've done over a number of years.

"With Marcus, I just feel that other players in that area of the pitch had better seasons. It's as simple as that."

Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring for England against Italy in a Euro 2024 qualifier in October 2023. (Image credit: Getty Images)

And it is, really, as simple as that. Rashford endured a disappointing 2023/24 season for Manchester United and does not merit selection for England on current form.

Having hit 30 goals in 56 games for United in 2022/23, he managed only eight in 43 in 2023/24. Performances have also been poor and based on what he has done on the pitch for his club over the past 10 months, Southgate has made the correct call.

Rashford reacted to his England snub on social media. "Wishing Gareth and the boys all the best for the up and coming tournament," he wrote.

More England stories

Jordan Henderson has missed out on an England first with his omission from the 2024 squad

Gareth Southgate's 5 biggest omissions from his provisional England Euro 2024 squad

England squad for Euro 2024 announced - with Gareth Southgate making some controversial decisions

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