England manager Gareth Southgate has asked his players to commit before next summer's European Championships as the Three Lions hope to end nearly 60 years of injury.
Gareth Southgate has reminded the entire team of their 'commitment' ahead of next year's Euros.
And the post could easily have been aimed at Marcus Rashford ahead of England's qualifier against North Macedonia at Old Trafford. No one can doubt Rashford's abilities nor his passion for dear Manchester United, but his career in England has been further disrupted since making his first-team debut seven years ago.
Rashford, 25, had 52 caps for England but only made 22 starts for the national team when he withdrew from the England squad in March due to injury and then posted pictures on social media of him. He is resting in New York.
United striker Rashford's last friendly appearance was against Romania in 2021 when he scored the winning goal. Before coming on as a substitute in Malta on Friday night, his last 10 appearances were in major league finals.
This is almost Ryan Giggs territory as the former United winger famously pulled out of Wales friendlies.
But Southgate has made it clear they expect players to show up if they want to participate and teenager Jude Bellingham even set the perfect example by joining the St George's Park side despite being injured.
England manager Southgate said:
"We've been talking to players that engagement will be a big factor over the next 18 months. The more players here, the more messages they can hear from the games we play. . Marcus Rashford could never become a key player for England the way he did for Man United
"So I think Marcus is delighted to be able to work with our medical team and make a lot of progress during this time. We always hope that happens.
“A lot of players take a break during the season, almost before camp, when you have two games and you can be fine in the second game if everything goes well. Also, in a more complicated season because the clubs have matches coming up and the dynamics are a bit different.
"Part of being a team is that the rest of your teammates realize that you're in the game. Just by spending time with them, you will have better relationships and communication to create more feelings of togetherness.
"It's harder to achieve that goal at international level than with a club because you don't waste time. Morale is a fundamental part of being a winning team.
Rashford arrived at Euro 2016 as England's child prodigy but has now become a global star and it's fair to say he had a good World Cup in Qatar - scoring twice against Origin Wales - but then did not start in the round of 16.
But Rashford had a good season for United and flourished under Erik ten Hag. But when he ended the FA Cup final with a limp and in the past, he may have had to retire due to injury. He was treated for a hip injury against Malta but is still hoping to start against North Macedonia and Southgate says the United forward has improved a lot this season.
England manager Gareth Southgate has spoken to Marcus Rashford about his expectations
Southgate added:
"The obvious thing is the goals. I think when he gets his chance this season, he'll score as the season goes on. Maybe in previous seasons it was a little less certain.
"I think working with Erik, he has to work a little differently.
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