Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino thinks Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has damaged his reputation in Gareth Southgate’s eyes.
For this month’s Euro Qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine, the in-form forward was slated to join the Three Lions team. Due to a toe injury received during Manchester United’s FA Cup quarterfinal victory over Fulham on March 18, he was forced to leave the game.
After that, Rashford was sighted in New York with his boyfriend, which upset many fans and experts.
At the 2021 Euros, the forward made his last appearance for England before the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Cascarino thinks Southgate might not have faith in the Manchester United winger as a result. According to him.
“I would say your manager is not pleased with that. Why would he be? He even commented, Gareth hinted at his frustration with Rashford, he said, ‘Well, with his withdrawal, how can you decide on a player if he’s not present?’ He’s not been present enough. England were [likely] not aware of a trip to New York and that’s going to frustrate Gareth, because Gareth ultimately wants loyalty from his players.”
“Some people will say he’s entitled to go on holiday, he’s injured… Now, this isn’t commitment from Rashford and there will be an element of frustration from Southgate, without a doubt. He might say all the right things and say it isn’t an issue, but deep down he’ll probably be thinking, ‘We need more from Marcus’.”
Cascarino praised Rashford for improving on his performance from the previous year, but he still believes that Rashford is not England’s first-choice attacker. He stated:
“He’s done wonderfully; with Manchester United, he’s completely turned around his career. He is actually allowing other players to join the England group and perform exceptionally well. That trio of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden represents England’s strongest three up forward, in my opinion.
Marcus might be thinking, “I don’t want to show up for England to just sit on the bench. Because he was in and out of the team despite playing quite well at the World Cup in Qatar.
England will now play Ukraine at home on March 26 after defeating Italy 2-1 on March 23.
This season, Marcus Rashford has been in excellent form for Manchester United, especially after his participation in the Qatar-hosted FIFA World Cup. In 44 games played in various competitions, the English forward has scored 27 goals overall, 19 of which came after the World Cup.
After defeating Italy 2-1 on March 23, England will now host Ukraine on March 26.
Particularly after his involvement in the FIFA World Cup held in Qatar, Marcus Rashford has been in excellent form for Manchester United this season. The English forward has scored 27 goals overall in 44 games across many tournaments, 19 of which came after the World Cup.
