There was one noticeable absence at Wembley as Gareth Southgate’s England side were held to a 2-2 draw with Belgium.
Marcus Rashford was an unused substitute in the friendly with Belgium, which on the face of it, seemed like another snub to the Manchester United forward.
Pundit Chris Sutton had this week described it as a ‘slap in the face’ to Rashford to be left out for Anthony Gordon against Brazil. And it’s hard to disagree, looking at it through that lens.
Last night he was left out entirely, with England needing an equaliser against Belgium, Gordon was brought on instead of Rashford.
Another snub? Possibly. But there might be more to it. Rashford’s lack of minutes may be for fitness reasons.
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Marcus Rashford injury update
Marcus Rashford rested for 90 minutes as England drew 2-2 with Belgium. Kobbie Mainoo shone on his first start, earning praise for a composed performance, in which he helped to create the Three Lions’ opening goal, with fans raving about his display.
The Times journalist Henry Winter provided some much needed context behind Marcus Rashford’s non-selection.
He reported via X: “Marcus Rashford been carrying a slight knock since the Forest game.”
With this in mind, we should be pleased Rashford has not been pushed for England.
United fans would have been quick to complain and blast Southgate and England’s medical team if the forward had aggravated an injury.
The problem obviously is not too severe, as Rashford was not sent back to Manchester United like Harry Maguire, who picked up an injury against Brazil, the severity of which is yet to be determined.
Rashford has played through injury with goals for United
Marcus Rashford has started three matches for Manchester United since picking up his ‘slight injury’ against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.
Impressively, he has scored in all three matches.
This included 75 minutes away at City, in which he scored an impressive long range strike, and 90 minutes at home to Everton where he scored a penalty. United really needed him for these games with Rasmus Hojlund out injured.
But he really pushed himself in the FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool where he played 120 minutes and scored an extra-time equaliser.
While the precise nature of Rashford’s injury is unclear, it’s expected he will be fit enough to start for Manchester United against Brentford this coming Saturday – pending confirmation.
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