Marcus Rashford explains ‘untimely’ reason Man Utd forward missed out on England squad

Marcus Rashford has explained an ‘untimely injury’ has resulted in him missing out on the latest England squad.

The Manchester United forward was not selected in Gareth Southgate’s 28-man squad for the upcoming games against Italy and Germany, the final group that will be named before the squad is selected for the World Cup.

Rashford’s omission could be a big blow and denies the 24-year one final opportunity to make an impression on Southgate.

But Rashford took to Twitter to explain why he has not been selected by the Three Lions.

“Good luck to the boys later today @ManUtd,” he wrote.

“In regards to @England every player wants to represent there country and I’m no different! Unfortunately I’m not ready yet as I’ve picked up an untimely injury.”

Meanwhile, Southgate said there is a chance the United forward can regain a spot in his squad ahead of the flight to Qatar, despite not playing for England in the last 12 months.

“There were certain players we wanted to keep involved this time, but that said it doesn’t mean that this is the end for some of the others who aren’t involved,” he explained.

“Marcus Rashford, for example, has shown some encouraging signs recently. He is a player we know well so if he can perform at a high level in the next few weeks, he of course will be under consideration.”

The injury which rules Rashford out of the latest England squad was announced by Erik ten Hag on Wednesday, although the United manager’s vague response meant it was unclear how severe the issue is.

"He is not available. It is still the [same] consequence after Arsenal. He has a muscle injury,” said Ten Hag.

"I don’t think [he will be out] too long. It’s not really bad and we expect him back quite soon in the team."

Rashford has therefore not travelled with the United squad to Moldova for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Sheriff Tiraspol.

He also won’t play this weekend, nor will any of the Red Devils squad, due to the postponement of Sunday’s clash with Leeds United with a lack of policing available the day before the Queen’s funeral.