Playing for 90
Fansided

England: Playing Marcus Rashford would be contradictory from Southgate

By Kian Long

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 14: Gareth Southgate, Manager of England looks on prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia 3rd Place Playoff match between Belgium and England at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 14, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 14: Gareth Southgate, Manager of England looks on prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia 3rd Place Playoff match between Belgium and England at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 14, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The England boss isn’t exactly bombarded with attacking options, but to start Marcus Rashford would go against everything he has said.

England kick off their UEFA Nations League campaign against Spain tonight. It will be a tough ask, but following on from their impressive World Cup run, we saw just how capable England were of keeping up with the big dogs.

Spain are in an era of transition, as they look to succeed their golden generation – which is never going to be easy. The likes of Isco and Sergi Roberto are expected to fill the boots of a star-studded midfield left behind by Andres Iniesta and Xavi. Of course, the dynamics will look a lot different, and there is plenty of time for Spain to find a rhythm.

More from International Soccer

However, the main thing I noticed heading into this match came from the England camp. There are many reports suggesting that Marcus Rashford could get the start, which would be unjust. Of course, with Raheem Sterling’s absence, Rashford is the only player worthy of filling the role, but that’s not my point.

My point is, if Southgate really does merit the players who are in good form for their domestic clubs, then why are there no other options? For example, Danny Ings, to name just one, has been in much better form so far this season than Rashford.

While I’m not saying that Ings deserves a call-up based on form alone, surely that should be Southgate’s way of thinking. After all, that’s the logic he followed when leaving out Jack Wilshere and Chris Smalling back in 2017.

I would never doubt Gareth Southgate. He gave us England fans our best footballing moment in recent history, and came so close to reaching the World Cup final. However, I can’t help but see this decision as contradictory, and an injustice to the likes of Wilshere and Smalling.

Positives to take.

You know we love to give balanced arguments, so that’s enough of the groaning. Despite my thoughts on Southgate’s comments, I can’t deny that Rashford usually does come up with the goods on international level. Should he start, I fully back him to have an impressive display against Spain.

Another positive for England fans to take is that Luke Shaw is expected to get the nod. He started his Premier League campaign off impressively. If he can impress Mourinho, then he can impress anyone.

dark. Next. The worrying stat that forecasts a downturn in Kane's goal return

How do you think England will fare in this match?

Home/International Soccer