England manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed Marcus Rashford’s uninspiring form was the sole reason behind his omission from the England provisional squad for the European Championship.
The United attacker has been left out of the 33-man squad that Southgate has named ahead of the tournament starting in Germany next month. England will play two friendlies ahead of flying out to Germany and Southgate, on June 7, will be forced to reduce his squad size to 26 players.
He has made the decision to omit Rashford from his plans because of his struggles this season. It will mark the first major tournament he has played no part in for England since the 2014 World Cup.
“These are, of course, difficult calls,” said Southgate. “You are talking about very good players and who have been an important part of what we have done over a number of years.
“With Marcus, I just feel that other players in that area of the pitch have had better seasons. It’s as simple as that.”
Rashford has struggled for form in United colours this season, scoring just eight goals in 42 appearances in all competitions. It has been a sharp downfall from the 30 goals that he plundered last season.
Meanwhile, Southgate, who has named three United players in his squad, has admitted that Luke Shaw faces an uphill struggle to feature at the tournament. The defender, who has been joined in the squad by Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, has been sidelined since February because of a muscle injury.
Southgate said: “Shaw is up against it. He’s missed a lot of football. Because he’s first choice, we’re giving him longer. I’m not sure what is realistic at this moment in time.
“I’ve talked with him, the medical team are liaising with Man United closely. But I would have to say Shaw is a long shot.”
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