‘You can tell from his body language’ - Alan Shearer shares why Man Utd star could miss out on England’s Euro 2024 squad
England legend Alan Shearer is convinced that Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford could miss out on England’s squad for the 2024 European Championship.
The Red Devils star came off the bench against Brazil in a friendly on Saturday, but he could not influence the proceedings as Gareth Southgate’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat following a late goal from Endrick.
Rashford was unused in the 2-2 draw against Belgium last night and will be hoping to make the final squad for Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
However, Shearer reckons the fierce competition for the attacking slots could see the Man United academy graduate miss out, sharing his concerns during a Q&A session on The Athletic.
“If Rashford plays well between now and the end of the season, then that could potentially force the manager’s hand,” the former striker replied when asked if the Man United star has earned a place on the plane for the Euros.
“But I don’t think he’s a certainty to go, no. He’s not a centre-forward – he doesn’t want to play there, He’d be going as a wide forward who can play as a striker in an emergency.
“You can tell from his body language that he doesn’t want to play there for Manchester United. If he’s going to be in the squad, it wouldn’t be ahead of (Harry) Kane, (Ollie) Watkins or (Ivan) Toney – it’d be as a wide forward.”
Rashford has bagged seven goals and two assists in 27 Premier League games this term. Although he has scored three times in his last three appearances for Man United, he needs to do more if he wants to play at the Euros.
With Watkins and Toney likely to be included in the squad alongside Kane, there is no space in the striking department for the 26-year-old.
He is vying with Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka for a wide role, while Jack Grealish could be in contention.
The Man United forward has plenty to do between now and the end of the campaign to prove that he deserves a spot in the squad, and he has around 12 games to convince Southgate.