Aheed Abrar
Paul Merson backs Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford to get into the England World Cup squad while Jadon Sancho could struggle
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has been backed to get into the England World Cup squad by Paul Merson. However, the ex-Gunner feels it will be challenging for Jadon Sancho to get into Gareth Southgate’s plans.
The English forwards have had an excellent start to the season under Erik ten Hag. The Dutch manager seems to have instilled confidence back into the two players.
In his latest Sky Sports column (h/t Manchester Evening News), Merson believes Rashford has been unlucky not to be able to take a part in the upcoming Nations League fixtures for the Three Lions. And the former attacker is of the opinion that the 24-year-old will be on the plane to Qatar.
“I think Marcus Rashford should feel hard done by. If he wasn’t injured, I think he would have got into this squad and I think he’ll get into the final 26-man World Cup squad if he keeps doing what he’s doing.”
Rashford had a tough time after the Euro 2020 final. The 24-year-old was unable to perform to the standards he had set for himself in previous campaigns. And last season, in 32 appearances for the Red Devils, the 24-year-old scored five goals and provided two assists.
Rashford and Sancho have performed for United
However, Rashford has evidently picked up his form in the 2022/23 campaign. Alongside the 24-year-old, Sancho has also been an essential part of the Manchester-based club’s impressive run under Ten Hag.
However, Merson, who spent 12 years on Arsenal’s books, does not think the 22-year-old has done enough yet to cement his place in the England squad. The ex-Gunner sees a lot of competition for places in Sancho’s position.
“People talk to me about Jadon Sancho, but he’s scored two Premier League goals and got no assists. He’s not ripping it up, and while he scored a good goal against Liverpool he’s in a queue of a lot of players in that position.”
The former Borussia Dortmund star made his way to Manchester last summer. However, Sancho was unable to produce the displays he showed in Germany consistently. And fans were left underwhelmed by the 22-year-old.
However, Sancho and the rest of the United team have turned things around, starting from the Liverpool game. The 22-year-old was responsible for scoring the opening goal in the North West derby. The forward was also the first player for us to find the back of the net this season.
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Rashford is a player who has made a case for himself over the last few weeks to go to Qatar. However, on form currently, supporters would argue that Sancho should also be in Gareth Southgate’s plans over the other players the England manager has taken.
