Marcus Rashford has risked damaging his relationship with England boss Gareth Southgate after being pictured enjoying a holiday in New York after pulling out of the international break.
That’s according to talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino, who admits the Manchester United striker’s social media posts from the Big Apple are not a good look.
INSTAGRAM: @MARCUSRASHFORD5Rashford went to extreme lengths to not be recognised as he touched down in the United States
GETTY5Rashford picked up the injury in Man United’s FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham
Rashford was initially called up to the Three Lions squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine, but withdrew this week with a toe injury.
It was a blow to fans hoping to see the in-form forward back in an England shirt for the first time since the World Cup, with the tournament in Qatar breathing new life into his campaign.
He’s been on fire ever since with 19 goals and six assists for United – helping them lift the EFL Cup and sail through to the FA Cup semi-finals and quarter-finals of the Europa League.
But the injury didn’t stop him from quickly getting on a long-haul flight to enjoy a city break with his girlfriend, with Rashford posting a number of pictures from the iconic city on his Instagram page.
It has led to criticism of the striker, who is nursing a foot injury, with some suggesting he should be resting, rehabilitating or making himself available for selection, rather than walking around New York.
Cascarino admits it’s something that would have frustrated England boss Southgate, and may have a negative impact on the player’s role with the national team in the future.
INSTAGRAM: @MARCUSRASHFORD5Rashford posed with his girlfriend in front of New York’s famous Central Park fountain
“I would say your manager is not pleased with that,” the former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland striker said on Weekend Sports Breakfast.
“Why would he be? He even commented, Gareth hinted at his frustration with Rashford, he said, ‘Well, with his withdrawal, how can you decide on a player if he’s not present?’ He’s not been present enough.
“England were [likely] not aware of a trip to New York and that’s going to frustrate Gareth, because Gareth ultimately wants loyalty from his players.
“Some people will say he’s entitled to go on holiday, he’s injured.
“But when I made my debut for the Republic of Ireland, it was against Switzerland and Liam Brady, who had left Arsenal to join Juventus, met us in Switzerland for the game. We were already out of the competition by that point, really, we had nothing left to play for, but Liam still turned up. He was the best player at that time for Ireland. He was a major star in world football in the early 1980s.
Cascarino believes Southgate will be left disappointed by Rashford’s holiday plans
“He didn’t have to be there, because he wasn’t even 100 per cent fit to play, but he was still there. I remember thinking as a young player, ‘If Liam is turning up…’ – it was commitment of the highest level.
“Now, this isn’t commitment from Rashford and there will be an element of frustration from Southgate, without a doubt. He might say all the right things and say it isn’t an issue, but deep down he’ll probably be thinking, ‘We need more from Marcus’.
“He’s done brilliantly, he’s turned his career at Manchester United around fantastically.
“And, really, what he’s allowing is other players to come into the England squad and do really well. Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane – for me, that is England’s best three up front.
“Maybe Marcus feels, ‘I don’t want to be a sub and turn up for England to just sit on the bench’. Because even when he did really well at the World Cup in Qatar, he was still in and out of the team.”
Southgate himself appeared to air his frustrations with Rashford and hinted that England could not miss the Man United star if he was rarely available.
However, he later elaborated on those comments and also addressed that New York trip.
Even though Rashford is absent from England, he continues to be a huge talking point
The England boss clarified: “I was asked the other day did we miss him and it was semantics of words, really. But he’s in good form, we’d love to have had him as an option for this camp but we haven’t got him.
“Always then I have to think what’s the best solution and it’s opportunities for other people.”
Asked about Rashford walking around New York rather than linking up with England, Southgate said: “I wouldn’t think the levels are quite the same!
“Once he’s ruled out of the squad, it’s entirely up to him how he spends his time.
“The players don’t get a lot of break, so I think for all of them, once they’ve got a little bit of time… I’m sure our players will be flying off wherever after tomorrow’s game. If they get 48 hours with the schedule as it is, I think they have to take advantage of it.”
Source: talksport.com
