'As simple as that' - Why Manchester United star Marcus Rashford isn't in England squad
Three Man Utd players have been named in the England squad for the European Championship in Germany this summer.
Gareth Southgate says competition for places is part of the reason why Marcus Rashford was omitted from the England squad for the European Championship this summer.
The Three Lions have named a provisional 33-man squad for the tournament in Germany, with Manchester United forward Rashford the most high-profile name to miss out from the squad, along with Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson.
Rashford has endured a poor season at club level, scoring just eight times in 42 appearances across all competitions, as United recorded their lowest ever finish in the Premier League era. He has lost his starting place at club level to Alejandro Garnacho and has also fallen down the pecking at international level.
Speaking after the squad was announced, Southgate said of Rashford’s omission: “These are difficult calls, you're talking about very good players, who have bean an important part. With Marcus I just feel other players in that area have had better seasons. It's as simple as that."
Fellow forwards Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Anthony Gordon, James Maddison, Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka have all been included in the provisional squad.
Southgate has also named five uncapped players, Jarrad Branthwaite, Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah, Adam Wharton and James Trafford in his squad. The deadline for England to confirm their final squad of up to 26 players for the tournament in Germany is midnight on 7 June.