Alan Shearer thinks one Manchester United star is not a ‘certainty’ to go to Euro 2024 this summer.
Following the first international break of 2024 over the past week, anticipation is now heating up ahead of the European Championship tournament in Germany this June.
England didn’t have the best break in terms of results – losing to Brazil and drawing with Belgium – but they were very useful matches for Gareth Southgate.
The Three Lions boss got to see his side in action against two talented sides and see them put in decent performances in each, even if wasn’t reflected in the scorelines.
Additionally, Southgate was able to experiment with his starting XI and run the rule over some potential late additions to his squad.
The highlight in that regard, of course, was Kobbie Mainoo, who made his debut and first start for his country in the two matches and was highly impressive.
The Manchester United starlet earned the Player of the Match award against Belgium and has given himself a great chance of being selected for the Euros.
However, there’s one United player whose place is at risk.
Alan Shearer says Man United player is not a ‘certainty’ for Euro 2024
Alan Shearer believes Marcus Rashford’s spot in the squad is far from a guarantee.
The United forward did not start either friendly, with Southgate opting to try out Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, and didn’t even come on against Belgium.
Shearer says Rashford might not even make it to the Euros.
He told The Athletic: “If Rashford plays well between now and the end of the season, then that could potentially force the manager’s hand.
“But I don’t think he’s a certainty to go, no.
“He’s not a centre-forward, he doesn’t want to play there. He’d be going as a wide forward who can play as a striker in an emergency.
“You can tell from his body language that he doesn’t want to play there for Manchester United.
“If he’s going to be in the squad, it wouldn’t be ahead of Harry Kane, Watkins or Toney, it’d be as a wide forward.”
Marcus Rashford has to go to Euro 2024
Rashford is not in the incredible form he showed last season. That’s clear and United have suffered from his goals drying up.
But the 26-year-old does remain incredibly talented and capable of moments of magic.
Additionally, there have been positive signs that he’s slowly getting back to his best in recent weeks, scoring in his last three games for United and looking rejuvenated now back on the left.
Rashford should be in the squad for the versatility Shearer described alone. It would be a waste of a spot to take both Watkins and Toney when Harry Kane is going to play every minute.
But with one natural striker selected, Rashford can go as a winger and be used in the middle if absolutely necessary.
Rashford likely won’t start at Euro 2024, but he should be on the plane.
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