A summer of rest is perfect tonic for Rash
NOT BEING IN ENGLAND SQUAD COULD BE A BOOST FOR FORWARD
THERE was a time when it would be unthinkable for Marcus Rashford not to be included in an England squad, but when he was once again not called up for the latest Nations League fixtures noone batted an eye.
The United star missed a penalty in the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy last summer and hasn’t been involved since.
Though he missed the first five matches of the season having had shoulder surgery, he has now not been selected in Gareth Southgate’s last three squads purely due to his poor form.
Rashford had been a near ever-present in the England set-up since earning his first cap in 2016, but now Tammy Abraham, Jarrod Bowen, Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling are all ahead of him in attacking positions. And he can have no complaints.
The 24-year-old has just had his worst season since making his senior debut for the Reds, registering his lowest goals tally of just five. But it wasn’t just the lack of goals that was a problem, what was really concerning was his demeanour on the pitch.
Rashford looked like a player completely devoid of confidence, not making the right runs and sloppy on the ball.
An example that really caught the ire of supporters came in the narrow FA Cup victory over Aston Villa, in which he didn’t follow in a shot on goal which the goalkeeper then spilt and presented what would have been an easy chance.
Rashford then lost his place as a regular in the starting XI to teenager Anthony Elanga.
All of his qualities – of which there are many – seemed to have just evaporated and it’s no surprise he has is now unlikely to make the World Cup squad.
However, while missing out on another call-up may come as a blow, it could certainly be of benefit to United, new boss Erik ten Hag and to Rashford himself.
Instead of training and being involved in four Nations League matches over the last fortnight after a long and gruelling season, the forward has been able to take stock.
Rashford hasn’t had a proper summer break for some years now but he can finally use this time to rest, refresh, recuperate and prepare himself to come back stronger next season. He seems to have taken the initiative on that front and, after a holiday, has begun his own training before pre-season gets underway on June 27.
He shared a short video of a weight training session on Instagram and looks in phenomenal shape ahead of the new campaign.
That effort and dedication surely won’t go unnoticed by Ten Hag and, hopefully, it’s the beginning of a return to his best.
There is no doubt Rashford has the talent to be a great player for United, we have seen plenty of evidence of that and one poor year – contributed to by injury, fatigue and a flailing team – shouldn’t erase that.
If he can use this rare time off to his advantage to get in the right shape physically and mentally ahead of the new season then who knows how good he could be under an astute, attackingminded coach such as Ten Hag, who in turn will be grateful for having a skilful and versatile attacker at his disposal.
A lack of international football may sting now, but it’s exactly what Rashford needs.