England manager Roy Hodgson has dropped a big
hint that he will not be taking Manchester United
striker Marcus Rashford to the European
Championships this summer.
Not many knew much about young Rashford at
the start of this year, but within the space of two
months the 18-year-old has thrown himself into
contention for a place on the plane to France this
summer.
Rashford made his first-team debut for United
against FC Midtjylland back in February in the
Europa League, and has since been on an
astonishing run.
The England U20 international scored yet again
last week against Aston Villa in a 1-0 win at Old
Trafford, taking his tally to four goals in eight
league games, with a further two coming in the
Europa League.
The academy graduate’s fine performances has
prompted talk that Hodgson could potentially
utilise him as a wildcard at the European
Championships this summer, but the Three Lions
boss has tried to play down talk of that.
“I think it would be a very bold decision to put him
[Rashford] in and I think that would mean
possibly leaving someone behind who, in my
opinion, has more reason to be called up,”
Hodgson told the Guardian . “But you never know.
The fact is it would be foolish to say: ‘No, he’s not
ready – he can’t do it.’ I am sure he could do it.
“I am sure if there were enough spaces available
and we were taking 30 players we’d probably be
considering him. But when it’s 23 and we’ve
already got a bit of a headache with the front
players, who we can take and who we might have
to leave out, to put in another one who is 18
years of age is asking a lot.
“Does he have a very bright future? Yes. Is it
inconceivable he could go with England? It’s not
inconceivable but it is looking unlikely to me with
the players we already have and the competition
for places in that area.”
In fairness to Hodgson, the England boss could
have a point if he plans to look elsewhere for
firepower this summer, with the country not
exactly short of goals in the attacking
department.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane and
Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy have 46
league goals between them this season, while
Daniel Sturridge has been electric for Liverpool
recently.
Meanwhile, Andy Carroll has picked up some
great form for West Ham to throw his name into
the hat, while Wayne Rooney is almost
guaranteed a ticket on the plane.
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