There’s never been any doubting Marcus Rashford’s talent. And, last season drove home just how great of a player the forward is. However, this term, his form has fallen off a cliff, with questions being asked about his future from some quarters. But could the Euros be the perfect way to reinvigorate Rashford for Manchester United ahead of the 2024/25 campaign?
Rashford, 26, is at an age where he’s heading towards what should be his prime. And, last season, his haul of thirty goals and ten assists from fifty-six appearances for United, mostly from his favoured wide left position, generated talk that the Manchester-born attacker could be one of the game’s very best. But, as previously seen, Rashford, very much from season to season, is proving inconsistent and has found himself out of the team on occasions.
Rashford penned a new agreement with the Old Trafford hierarchy last year, which runs until 2028, so there are no plans at present to lose a player who came through the club’s youth system. Erik ten Hag, United’s current manager, although that could change between now and the start of next season, is keen to have Rashford firing again, and it could be Gareth Southgate, ironically the man linked with replacing the Dutchman in the United dugout, that could help on that front after he’s led England in another international tournament, with the latest 2024 Euro betting odds tipping the Three Lions for success.
Regardless of form, Rashford has been a regular pick for Southgate’s England squad because of the formation he plays and because he can play in wide and central positions, utilising his pace. He’s played at multiple international tournaments, including the previous Euros and last two World Cups, and his inclusion is expected for Euro 2024, primarily as managers will now select 26-man squads to take with them to Germany.
The reality is that Rashford is unlikely to be a regular starter for England at the Euros. At the World Cup in 2022, he started one of just five games, but this isn’t the point. Southgate has created a fantastic environment for players representing the Three Lions at international tournaments, and many suggest this is one of the reasons why there’s been a lot of progression since the former England U21 man took over as manager of the senior team. It’s this that Rashford could need to find himself again.
Of course, if Rashford were to play a part and play well, it could bring him on leaps and bounds in terms of his confidence and belief, which has appeared to be lacking at club level this season. But, an arm around the shoulder from Southgate, in an environment where he feels comfortable, could make all the difference. And, if Rashford then takes this into the 2024/25 campaign with United, he could be the force of old once again, as seen in 2022/23, when he was being mentioned as one of the best in the world in his position.
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