Gareth Southgate is ‘100 per cent right’ to exclude Marcus Rashford from England’s provisional Euro 2024 squad and it might ‘wake him up,’ fans claim… but some think it is ‘absolutely MENTAL’ to leave out Man United star

Gareth Southgate is right to have excluded Marcus Rashford from his provisional squad for the European Championship next month, many England fans think. 

Supporters respect Southgate leaving out a senior international due to form and think it could ‘wake him up at club level’.

Not everybody agrees, however, and some think leaving out a forward with 60 international caps and his quality is ‘absolutely mental’.

Rashford has scored eight and assisted five in a difficult season at Manchester United, a huge dip compared to his 30 last season. 

‘I know a lot of people will disagree, but I feel like he [Southgate] is 100% right about this,’ one fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter. 

‘Honestly respect the decision by Southgate. Rashford underperformed this season and shouldn’t be handed a call up for it,’ another said. 

‘Best thing Southgate’s done. Maybe he will wake up at club level now,’ one wrote. 

‘No issue with Rashford not going. Explain to me why Grealish is,’ another commented. 

One felt it was the right call but backed him to come back strong after a rest: ‘There shouldn’t be too much discourse about Marcus Rashford. He was one of the best forwards in the world in 2022 but Gareth Southgate gave him about two minutes (and he still scored three goals) at the World Cup. 

‘Remember when England needed a goal vs France and Jordan Henderson came on instead, too? A proper break and full pre-season is exactly what he needs. 24/25 is huge for him.’ 

Some felt it was a grave error excluding a man who has played at the last four major tournaments for the Three Lions and scored 17 goals in his international career. 

‘Not taking a player of Marcus Rashford’s qualities to an international tournament is absolutely mental,’ one wrote. 

‘Rashford is the most complimentary wide player you have for Kane you cantaloupe of a manager,’ another said.

Southgate named 12 attackers in his squad, including less established stars such as Eberechi Eze, Ivan Toney, and Jarrod Bowen.

Explaining his decision, the England boss said: ‘I just feel other players in that area of the pitch have had better seasons. That’s it.’

Rashford has already reacted to the call in honourable fashion, writing on Instagram: ‘Wishing Gareth and the boys all the best for the upcoming tournament.’  

More to follow.