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Going to Euro 2016 would be bad for Marcus Rashford’s career

By Rucker Haringey

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates scoring his opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on February 28, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates scoring his opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on February 28, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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Roy Hodgson is open to the idea of selecting Marcus Rashford for Euro 2016

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford is off to a terrific start through a grand total of three matches. Talk of selecting him for Euro 2016 is just foolish on behalf of England manager Roy Hodgson. In fact, taking him could wreck the talented starlet’s career.

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The Guardian reports that Hodgson is very open to the idea of selecting Rushford despite his inexperience. He claims to have had his eye on the young forward for several years. Furthermore, he pointed to several examples of bringing youth through to the senior team such as Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. While I understand why Hodgson wants to leave his options open, United fans should hope that he doesn’t rush Rashford to the senior squad.

What this situation needs is a healthy dose of perspective. Right now Rashford is just a great story. He’s only played in three matches for the senior squad at United. He’s been scintillating thus far, but the jury is still out on whether or not he’ll ultimately be a flash in the pan.

For the record, I’m a believer in the youngster’s talent. I think he’s got a keen eye for goal and his finishing ability has been excellent to date. I’m far from certain that he’s going to be worthy of an English senior call-up in time, but I tend to believe he will.

What I am saying, is that rushing him into the side for Euro 2016 could be an abject disaster. The last thing United should want for their young forward is to put him into a situation that jeopardizes his confidence. That’s the number one threat to his long-term development at Old Trafford.

It’s also not as if the England team is short on potential striking options. Tottenham front man Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy should be locks for the team at this point. Hodgson has some other potentially appealing options in players like Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck. That’s before you even consider Wayne Rooney’s credentials for selection.

Hodgson selecting Rashford would likely just be a novelty. The far better path for the young attacker would be to let him earn significant playing time with one of the English youth squads. Remember, Harry Kane remained with the youth setup while many wanted to see him with the senior team last summer.

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Marcus Rashford is the current darling of the Premier League after his explosive start for Manchester United. Fans of the young forward should hope that Roy Hodgson doesn’t get too carried away with the idea of taking him to Euro 2016. Such a move could destroy his confidence and permanently derail a very promising career.