Gareth Southgate is determined not to succumb to external pressures or engage in a popularity contest when selecting the England team.
However, there is growing concern over his unwavering trust in players like Kalvin Phillips and Harry Maguire, which is becoming less well-received by the public.
Phillips and Maguire, to some extent, can attribute their underwhelming performances to their limited club-level game time. Marcus Rashford, on the other hand, had no such excuse leading up to the recent match against Italy.
Despite signing a lucrative £400,000-a-week contract and only managing one goal in 10 appearances for Manchester United this season, Rashford is nearing his 26th birthday.
With over 50 international caps and approaching his fifth major tournament next summer, he should be dominating games at the international level, similar to what Jude Bellingham is accomplishing, despite being only 20 years old.
Yet, it feels as though Rashford relies on England more than England relies on him, primarily due to Southgate’s wealth of options in attacking positions.
Jack Grealish and Jarrod Bowen were eager to contribute from the bench, while the injured Bukayo Saka watched from home.
Even Raheem Sterling, who has outperformed Rashford at the club level, didn’t make the squad.
However, the fact that last night’s starting XI against Italy resembled what we can expect in the upcoming Euros suggests that Rashford still holds a significant role in Southgate’s plans.
Rashford needed to justify his manager’s faith, and he did so with a moment of brilliance that illuminated an otherwise lacklustre match against the Italians.
With the score tied at 1-1 and Rashford struggling to make a significant impact, he suddenly dazzled, benefiting from Bellingham’s excellent pass. Rashford expertly turned three Italian defenders inside out before firing an unstoppable shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
This showcased the kind of genius he is capable of but doesn’t consistently produce.
This might just be the spark that revitalizes Rashford’s season, and while Southgate may take some satisfaction in this, no one will be hoping for this more than Erik ten Hag.
Kalvin Phillips
Kalvin Phillips
EnglandThis season he played in total 3 times for 70 minutes for Premier League.
Kalvin Phillips didn’t score any goal for Manchester City. He procured no assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 3rd in Premier League. In the last match Manchester City lost 1-0 against Arsenal. The next match in Premier League will be against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Manchester City performance and stats
Manchester City
Manchester City is currently 3rd in the Premier League with 18 points.
In the last 8 games, it has won 6 times and lost twice. In its last match, Manchester City lost 1-0 against Arsenal.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 17 goals and conceding 6.
Manchester City will play the next match in Premier League against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 21st of October in Manchester. The prediction is Manchester City winning the match.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire
This season he played in total 3 times for 116 minutes for Premier League.
Harry Maguire didn’t score any goal for Manchester United. He procured one assist. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 10th in Premier League. In the last match Manchester United won 2-1 against Brentford. The next match in Premier League will be against Sheffield United.
Manchester United performance and stats
Manchester United
Manchester United is currently 10th in the Premier League with 12 points.
In the last 8 games, it has won 4 times and lost 4 times. In its last match, Manchester United won 2-1 against Brentford.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 9 goals and conceding 12.
Manchester United will play the next match in Premier League against Sheffield United on Saturday 21st of October in Sheffield. The prediction is Manchester United winning the match.
