Aheed Abrar
Gareth Southgate offers hope to Manchester United stars Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho
Manchester United forwards Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are being monitored by England manager Gareth Southgate for the World Cup squad. The two missed out on a recent call-up as the Three Lions featured in the UEFA Nations League.
Rashford and Sancho had a torrid time with the Red Devils after the Euro 2020 with England. However, under Erik ten Hag, the forwards have found their feet. In recent weeks, the two have been pivotal for the Old Trafford side.
Speaking to the media after the draw against Germany (h/t Metro), Southgate admitted players from past squads are still in contention for the World Cup. The England manager has left the door open for the likes of Rashford and Sancho.
“We would be foolish not to keep an open mind to especially players that have worked with us before, who we know and know us and can slot in pretty comfortably.
“So those guys in particular [that have been part of previous squads] we’re monitoring closely.”
The Three Lions took on Italy and Germany in the Nations League. Southgate’s team lost 1-0 against Roberto Mancini’s side and drew 3-3 with Hansi Flick’s men. These were the last two games England played before flying to Qatar.
Rashford and Sancho were not involved. Southgate has not picked the two in over a year. The 24-year-old last donned the pitch in an England shirt in the European Championship final, where he and the former Borussia Dortmund star missed their penalties in the shootout in the loss to Italy.
United’s English duo struggled to make an impact when they played last season. The two looked short of confidence. And the Red Devils had to rely on Cristiano Ronaldo to score.
However, Ten Hag seems to have rejuvenated Rashford and Sancho. The 24-year-old is especially thriving playing as the centre-forward.
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Rashford has been in and around the England setup since Euro 2016. The 24-year-old has since been a regular in the squad. Supporters feel the United academy graduate has a better chance of getting back into Southgate’s good graces and making his way on the plane to Qatar.
