England legend Paul Gascoigne admits Marcus Rashford winds him up when he watches the Manchester United loanee play football.
There are now 18 Manchester United players on international duty, including Marcus Rashford, as the only club representative in the current England squad.
That means there are at least four United players at risk of missing out on the World Cup, despite England’s strong likelihood of qualification.
Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo were all overlooked. It’s a trend that has existed for much of Thomas Tuchel’s reign as Three Lions manager.
England would qualify for next summer’s World Cup with two matches to spare by beating Latvia on Tuesday night. That will be among Rashford’s biggest objectives after playing a substitute role in England’s 3-0 win over Wales on Thursday.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has urged Rashford to secure the left flank spot in the England team, as he competes with Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon for a place in the team.
Paul Gascoigne gets frustrated by Marcus Rashford’s demeanour
Paul Gascoigne earned 57 England caps throughout his career, entertaining thousands of fans, who still hold him dearly in their hearts as one of the greatest players the country has ever produced.
Unlike other footballers, we rarely get to hear Gascoigne’s views on modern football.
Gascoigne appeared on talkSPORT radio this week and revealed the one thing that annoys him when he watches United loanee Rashford.
“I like Rashford. I just wish he would smile now and again,” Gascoigne said.
“It winds me up. Like when you score, smile at least. Because, you know, because he says he’s got a bloke that’s got three kids and he takes them to the match. It costs a lot of money. The England shirt costs money, food costs money. And then they probably get home about three or four o’clock in the morning after driving home where the players are back home at half eleven, getting massive wages.
“Now, if you’re going to score, please at least celebrate.”
It’s a simple request from Gascoigne, but he is not the first to make an example of Rashford’s demeanour on the pitch.
This is not something the media in Spain has noticed from his short spell at Barcelona. That may suggest Rashford prefers playing football in La Liga.
Paul Gascoigne almost joined Man Utd in 1988
Gascoigne, or ‘Gazza’ as he is affectionately known, played for many clubs throughout his career.
After coming through the youth ranks of Newcastle, Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledged Gascoigne’s talent by trying to sign him.
Gascoigne confirmed that he told Ferguson he would sign for United after leaving Newcastle, so the legendary Scot went on holiday to Malta, assuming everything was done.
A last-minute call from Tottenham Hotspur chairman Irving Scholar swayed Gascoigne into turning down a move to Old Trafford for White Hart Lane.
Tottenham pulled off the transfer after offering Gascoigne and his family a variety of financial perks and gifts, including a sunbed for his sister.
It would go down as one of the biggest regrets in Ferguson’s incredible tenure as United manager.
Many United fans argue that Gascoigne would have had a much more stable and successful career under Ferguson.
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