Why is Marcus Rashford NOT playing tonight for England?
ENGLAND begin their European qualifying campaign tonight against Italy in Naples.
But in-form Marcus Rashford will not feature in the Three Lions’ tasty Euro 2024 qualifying opener.
Why is Rashford not playing?
Rashford, 25, will not play in this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers after suffering a knock in Manchester United’s 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham on Sunday.
United’s club statement said: “Our No.10 required treatment after being hurt in the build-up to Aleksandar Mitrovic’s opener for the visitors and was later withdrawn from the 83rd minute, with Fred taking his place.”
Former England striker Alan Smith told Sky Sports: “Marcus Rashford has been in fantastic form but if England were going to be missing a player from any department, they’d probably choose a player from the attacking ranks.
“There are still great options for Southgate to choose from, so England can get by”.
Rashford has 51 caps for his country and was the joint-top scorer for England at the World Cup in Qatar.
He has joined Nick Pope and Mason Mount with his withdrawal from Southgate’s squad.
The extent of his injury is not yet known. Although the Manchester club remains “hopeful”, that the forward will be available to face Newcastle United in their next Premier League fixture.