Former English forward Michael Owen has expressed his surprise and disappointment at Marcus Rashford’s exclusion from England’s provisional squad for two upcoming friendly matches preceding the UEFA European Championship (Euros). Owen, who has played an integral role in shaping England’s football history, took to social media to voice his concerns. “Very surprised Gareth Southgate has left @MarcusRashford out of his squad. Granted, he’s had a poor season by his standards, but tournament football is different, and he’s always been confident in an England shirt. We’ve many talented attacking players but very few with Rashford’s pace. In such a big squad, he was worth the risk,” Owen wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
The controversy stemming from Southgate’s decision has sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits alike. The exclusion of Rashford, coupled with other seasoned players like Jordan Henderson, has brought England’s squad selection into sharp focus. The decision appears even more contentious as the Euros approach, an event of mammoth significance in the football calendar.
Rashford, who has been a mainstay in the England squad for several years, has undeniably had a challenging season with his club, Manchester United. Injuries, a dip in form, and off-field responsibilities have contributed to his subdued performance. However, his past contributions to the national team have often been significant, making his omission from the squad a hot-button issue.
“Tournament football is undoubtedly different,” Owen emphasized, pointing out the unique pressures and environments of international tournaments compared to regular league play. Rashford, known for his dynamic pace and his capability to turn the tide of matches, has been a critical player for England in previous tournaments. His ability to exploit defenses with his speed offers a tactical advantage that Owen believes should have warranted his inclusion. England, Owen argues, is not short on attacking talent; yet, the unique skill set Rashford brings to the table makes his exclusion a significant gamble.
Beyond Owen’s comments, the wider footballing community has been abuzz with reactions.
. Fans have taken to social media platforms, expressing their diverse opinions. While some agree with Southgate’s rationale, emphasizing the need for form players, others echo Owen’s sentiments, calling Rashford’s exclusion a risky move. Many argue that the dynamic nature of tournament play often allows players to find form and confidence rapidly, and Rashford’s previous international performances support this notion.
Adding to the discourse are other football analysts and former players. Gary Lineker, another prominent figure in English football, mentioned in his recent podcast that while form is critical, so is the experience and proven quality in international competitions. Lineker highlighted Rashford’s historic ability to handle pressure and deliver performances when it matters most.
On the other side of the aisle, supporters of Southgate’s decision underline the importance of current form and team cohesion. Including players out of form, they argue, could disrupt the balance and chemistry of the team. Southgate’s tenure has seen many unconventional choices, some of which have paid off handsomely, leading to a semi-final finish in the 2018 World Cup and a runner-up spot in the 2020 Euros.
As for Rashford, his response has been muted but positive. In a brief statement, he assured fans that he respects the manager’s decision and remains fully committed to regaining his form and contributing to both his club and country in the future. His resilience and professionalism have been evident as he continues to train and focus on upcoming club matches.
The scrutiny on Southgate’s decisions will intensify as the Euros draw closer. The friendly matches leading up to the tournament will be critical in establishing the form and fitness of the selected players. For Rashford, every match he plays for Manchester United will be an opportunity to make a statement, proving his worth and potentially forcing Southgate to reconsider his current stance.
In summary, the exclusion of Marcus Rashford from England’s provisional Euro squad, as highlighted by Michael Owen, has ignited a debate that encapsulates the risk and reward dynamics inherent in football management. As the discussions continue, the ultimate judgment will come when the whistle blows for the Euros, and the world watches to see if Southgate’s decisions bring home the desired results for England.
