THREE LIONS IGNORED UNITED OVER MARCUS

GARETH SOUTHGATE has confirmed that England defied Manchester United by thrusting Marcus Rashford into the international spotlight.

The Three Lions boss revealed his predecessor Roy Hodgson ignored the advice of Old Trafford legend Ryan Giggs by calling up Rashford in May of last year.

He was just 18 when he made his senior debut in a friendly against Australia at the Stadium of Light.

And Southgate, who was boss of the Under-21s at the time, said: “We used to speak to Ryan, who was then assistant to Louis van Gaal, about which team to put him in because we didn’t want to put him in the 21s too early.

“Marcus had just broken into the team but we felt the Under-21s would put too much spotlight on him and I think United were grateful.

“But then Roy picked him for the seniors two months later, so that plan was out the window! You could see why, though, because, blimey, the impact he had with England was fantastic.”

Southgate has worked more closely with United’s current boss Jose Mourinho and Rashford was allowed to miss the European Under-21s Championship in June.

And the England chief is sure the 19-year-old forward can handle the pressure of being seen as a shining light for the senior side.

Influence

“He has the mental strength, he is very mature,” added Southgate.

“When he first came to the Under-21s, he didn’t know the group but he was happy to speak in meetings. He has a lot of humility. I met his mum, I met his brothers, they are a good influence.

“We must also play a part and make sure he is looked after and we have shown that with the decision we made over the summer with the Under-21s.

“The way he started the season with United we knew Slovakia was a game we wanted to use him in.”

Asked if Rashford could end up in the same bracket as legends Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, Southgate said: “He’s a different type of player.

“He is as mature as they were in terms of their understanding of the game and the way he picks up concepts. It is up to him now.”

Southgate also hopes Rashford’s rise will encourage Premier League managers to give other English youngsters a chance.

He said: “How many other examples are there?

“Kids need an opportunity. When the opportunity presents itself, you have to take it.

“Hopefully, with the summer we have had with our junior teams, clubs will have a bit more faith in young English players.”