Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Gareth Southgate's 'on and off pitch' warning comes back to bite Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford was a shock omission from Gareth Southgate's provisional England squad ahead of Euro 2024
Gareth Southgate's decision to omit Marcus Rashford from England's Euro 2024 plans comes nearly three months after the warning he seemingly sent to the Manchester United forward in February. Southgate published his initial 33-man provisional squad which will be whittled down to 26 players before the tournament in Germany starts.
Rashford was a key absentee from the squad having represented the Three Lions in every major tournament since 2016. The 26-year-old endured a difficult season that was marred by a controversial late-night escapade in Belfast last January, causing him to miss team training.
Following this incident, United released a statement saying Rashford had 'taken responsibility for his actions' and was fined by the club. When questioned about Rashford's behaviour during the UEFA Nations League draw in Paris in February, Southgate issued a stern warning to the forward and his other England stars.
In an interview with the Telegraph, Southgate said: "We're five weeks away from picking a squad, although so much happens to players over the period between November and March that we're always sitting and observing everything on and off the pitch."
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
He also said: "Then in a few weeks' time we'll have decisions to make on the whole squad and there's going to be a lot of attention on that because it's the final squad before the Euros."
Despite his night out in Belfast, Rashford was selected in Southgate's England squad that faced Brazil and Belgium in the last international break. However, the likes of Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen and Cole Palmer made the cut over Rashford.
When asked why the striker missed out on selection, Southgate kept it simple, stating: "I just feel other players in that area of the pitch have had better seasons. That's it".
Don't miss...
Paul Merson pinpointed the moment Gareth Southgate turned on Marcus Rashford [REACTION]
Marcus Rashford issues immediate response after Man Utd ace snubbed by England [LATEST]
The seven Premier League stars most annoyed with Southgate including big fallout [REACTION]
Despite boasting 60 international appearances and having represented England in four major tournaments, Rashford has endured a largely frustrating season with United.
The forward has managed to find the back of the net just eight times across all competitions, contributing to United's eighth-place finish in the Premier League - their worst since 1990.
However, there is still a glimmer of hope for European football next season if they can secure victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup this weekend, which would guarantee them a spot in the Europa League.