Ex- Manchester United defender Phil Jones believes that England will miss Marcus Rashford's 'brilliance' after the forward was snubbed by Gareth Southgate for Euro 2024.
After scoring just eight goals across all competitions in the season just finished, Rashford wasn't even named as part of Southgate's 33-man preliminary squad. The 26-year-old has therefore missed out on a chance to represent England at a fifth major tournament.
Jones, who retired from football 12 months ago after years of injury hell, says that his former team-mate has been a victim of the 'incredible' amount of talent which Southgate has had to choose from, which has also seen Manchester City playmaker Jack Grealish miss out in favour of the likes of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze.
Speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes 1-2-Free, Jones explained: "Rashford is the one I would identify as the biggest decision. It's a tough call, and I'm not saying it's the right or wrong call.
"I always think Marcus - even if he's not had the season he'd have liked - has the ability to do something special. I know him as a person, and as a player, and I think he could have certainly offered something, especially in games where we're struggling to break teams down.
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"You know, he's got that little bit of brilliance - that little bit of magic where he can just take it out of his feet, whip one in the top bin and win you the game. But, again, there are so many talented players to choose from - so there's always going to be someone who misses out, and unfortunately it's him this year."
Southgate explained his hotly-debated decision to snub Rashford last month, saying: "With Marcus I just feel that players in that area of the pitch have had better seasons, it's as simple as that."
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Phil Jones also played alongside Marcus Rashford for England (Getty Images)Rashford's form during the season even led to him being briefly dropped by United boss Erik ten Hag, with off-field issues also surfacing in the winter. The Red Devils academy graduate did start the FA Cup final, though, as United beat City 2-1 at Wembley to end what was a wretched campaign on a high.
Jones, who's since become a coach in United's academy setup, believes that Rashford will now have the bit between his teeth to rediscover his best form in the 2024-25 season. "Marcus is incredibly talented," he added. "He's one of the best players I've ever played with. He's got a strong mentality, he's level-headed and he has a good support network around him.
"I'm sure he'll come back firing next season... I'm sure he'll have a good pre-season. He's the type of guy who'll go away this summer and work on himself, making sure he's in the best possible condition to start next season. He'll know there is pressure on him next season, but I have no doubt that he'll have a much better season than perhaps the one he's just had."
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