Rashford and Henderson left out of England squad

 

In a surprising turn of events, England manager Gareth Southgate has left Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson out of the national squad for the upcoming international fixtures. The decision has ignited a lively debate among fans and pundits, raising questions about the rationale behind these omissions and their potential impact on the team.

 Rashford’s Exclusion

Marcus Rashford, the Manchester United forward, has been a key figure for both club and country. Known for his pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability, Rashford has been a consistent performer for England. However, his recent form has been patchy, with injuries and inconsistent performances affecting his season.

**Southgate’s Perspective**:

Gareth Southgate has emphasized the need for players to be at their peak fitness and form. Rashford’s struggles with injuries and his inability to regain top form might have influenced Southgate’s decision. The England manager stated, “Marcus is a fantastic player, but we need players who are fully fit and in form for these crucial fixtures. It’s important for him to have some time to recover and regain his best form.”

Henderson’s Omission

Jordan Henderson, the Liverpool midfielder, is another notable absentee. As a seasoned international and former England captain, Henderson brings experience, leadership, and midfield stability. His exclusion has raised eyebrows, especially given his role in Liverpool’s recent successes.

**Southgate’s Reasoning**:

Henderson’s season has been plagued by injuries and fitness concerns. Southgate commented, “Jordan is an important player for us, but he’s had a tough season with injuries. We have to think about the long-term and his fitness. It’s a difficult decision, but we believe it’s the right one for the team and for Jordan.”

Reactions from Fans and Pundits

The decision to leave out Rashford and Henderson has sparked a wide range of reactions:

**Supportive Voices**:

- **Alan Shearer**, former England captain: “Southgate has made some tough calls, but he’s thinking about the team’s overall fitness and performance. It’s a bold move, but it could pay off.”

- **Gary Lineker**, football pundit: “Rashford and Henderson are great players, but they haven’t been at their best. This gives others a chance to step up and prove themselves.”

**Critical Views**:

- **Paul Merson**, former Arsenal midfielder: “Leaving out Rashford and Henderson is a big risk. They have the experience and quality needed in international games. I’m not sure it’s the right call.”

- **Laura Woods**, sports presenter: “Southgate has taken a gamble here. These players have proven their worth time and again. It’s a big decision that could go either way.”

Opportunities for Others

With Rashford and Henderson absent, opportunities arise for other players to step into the spotlight. Young talents and fringe players now have the chance to impress Southgate and secure their spots in the squad.

**Potential Replacements**:

- **For Rashford**: Players like Jadon Sancho, Bukayo Saka, and Jack Grealish could see increased roles. Their recent form and versatility make them strong candidates to fill the void left by Rashford.

- **For Henderson**: The midfield options include Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Kalvin Phillips. These players have shown their capabilities and are eager to make their mark.

 Looking Ahead

As England prepares for crucial matches, Southgate’s squad selections will be under intense scrutiny. The decisions to exclude Rashford and Henderson highlight the competitive nature of the national team and the high standards expected of players. Whether these bold choices will lead to success on the pitch remains to be seen.

In the ever-evolving landscape of international football, Southgate’s ability to make tough decisions could define England’s fortunes. As fans await the upcoming fixtures, the hope is that the chosen squad will rise to the occasion and deliver performances that justify these contentious selections.

Striking Struggles and Surprising Omissions: Rashford and Henderson Miss Out on Euros Squad

Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson were surprise omissions from Gareth Southgate's provisional England squad for Euro 2024. The news comes just over a month before England's opening match against Serbia in Germany.

Rashford's Dip in Form

Rashford's exclusion is likely due to his struggles at club level. The Manchester United forward has managed only seven goals in 33 Premier League appearances this season, a far cry from his usual goal-scoring prowess. This lack of form, coupled with a reported argument with a fan, may have convinced Southgate to look elsewhere for attacking options.

Henderson's Club upheaval

Henderson's situation is a bit more complex. The 33-year-old's move from Liverpool to Saudi Arabia's Al Ettifaq in January raised eyebrows, and while a mid-season switch to Ajax offered a return to a competitive league, it appears it wasn't enough to convince Southgate. Henderson's experience and leadership will certainly be missed, but Southgate seems to be prioritizing players in top form.

The Road Ahead

Southgate has opted for a provisional squad of 33 players, with the final 26-man squad to be announced on June 7th. This gives some hope to Rashford and Henderson, though they will need to prove themselves in the coming weeks if they want to be part of England's Euro 2024 campaign.

Uncapped Quartet Included

In a surprising turn, Southgate has included four uncapped players in the provisional squad: Jarrad Branthwaite, Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah, and Adam Wharton. This suggests Southgate is looking to the future and may be preparing them for potential international careers.

Southgate's Call Up in Focus

The final squad selection will be a talking point for fans and pundits alike. Rashford and Henderson's omissions are sure to spark debate, and Southgate will face scrutiny for his choices, particularly if England struggles in the Euros.