GARETH SOUTHGATE has defended Marcus Rashford jetting off to New York after pulling out of the England squad
Three Lions boss Southgate was surprised to see Rashford posting pictures on a mini-break following his withdrawal from the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine with a toe problem.
But diplomatic Southgate said: “Once he’s ruled out of the squad, it’s entirely up to him how he spends his time.
“The players don’t get a lot of breaks. They will be flying off wherever after Sunday’s game.
“If they get 48 hours, with the schedule as it is, they have to take advantage of it.”
Rashford’s holiday is not a great look because the Manchester United forward, 25, has now pulled out of five of the last six non-tournament squads he has been picked for.
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His absence also gives players such as Phil Foden and Jack Grealish the chance to stake a claim for a place on the left of England’s attack.
Southgate said: “He’s in good form, we’d love to have had him as an option for this camp but we haven’t got him.
“Always then I have to think, ‘What’s the best solution?’ And it’s opportunities for other people.”
Rashford is not the only English striker enjoying some downtime Stateside.
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Arsenal’s Under-21 international striker Folarin Balogun, who is shining on loan at French club Reims, posted from Florida: “In life go where your [sic] appreciated.”
New York-born Balogun, 21, pulled out of Lee Carsley’s squad citing injury but is wanted by the USA national team and also qualifies for Nigeria.
Southgate said: “Young players progress well and you cannot perhaps give them the opportunity that they would like, while another country perhaps can offer them.
“We like Flo. We would like him to give it some time and if he is progressing the way he is and continues that progression, there will be opportunities.
“But I cannot offer him that this week.
“If we did, I don’t think that would be fair on Ivan Toney who has scored the goals he has in the Premier League.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
