Rashford, Sancho dropped from England squad, 2 Man Utd players make cut

Only two Manchester United players were selected for England’s friendlies for their upcoming friendly matches against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were amongst the prominent names amongst those overlooked. 

Gareth Southgate and company will play friendly games against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast on March 26 and 30 respectively. Owing to poor form at the club level, Marcus Rashford will not be a part of the Three Lions squad that hosts the two countries. 

Also read: Chelsea, Villarreal win, Champions League quarterfinals set

The 24-year-old forward, who plays primarily on the left wing, has not played for his country since the European Championship final (EURO 2020) against Italy in July. Rashford was in fact one of three England players to miss in a penalty-shootout loss. He also missed the start of the Premier League season because of injury and has been in and out of United’s team. 

Commenting on Rashford, England manager Gareth Southgate said that he is clearly ‘not at his best’. 

Also read: Paul Pogba reveals burglary when ‘babies were sleeping in bedroom’

“It is a difficult time for [Rashford]. He’s clearly not at his best. There’s plenty of time, we know a lot about Marcus anyway and hopefully he can rediscover some of his form,” the manager said. 

Rashford was seen trying to confront fans after United’s loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this week.

His United teammate Jadon Sancho was also dropped from the side despite encouraging recent performances for United. Southgate explained the 21-year-old’s exclusion saying there were better options for the wide-forward positions in players like Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka.

“Because with the other attacking players in the squad are slightly ahead of him in the moment in our feeling,’ he said. 

Also read: Liverpool beats Arsenal to reignite Premier League race

Marc Guehi, a center back at Crystal Palace, received a first call-up by England. Another central defender, Arsenal’s Ben White, was recalled.

On the inclusion of the Palace player, the England manager said,”With Marc, he’s had a really consistent season. I’ve been very impressed with him on and off the ball. In the biggest games, he’s been very calm.”

Kyle Walker didn’t make the squad but Southgate said the Manchester City right back would return for games in June.

England’s 25-man squad: 

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Nick Pope (Burnley)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Coady (Wolves), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Ben White (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Conor Gallagher (Crystal Palace), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

Forwards: Tammy Abraham (Roma), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)