Marcus Rashford has admitted that he is not fit to play for England at this moment due to injury concerns.
The final international break before the start of the World Cup in Qatar comes on Thursday, and Gareth Southgate announced his 28-man England group for the Nations League games in September.
Rashford hasn’t appeared for England since the European Championship final a year ago when he was one of three players to miss a penalty kick in England’s loss to Italy in a penalty shootout. The 24-year-old has been unable to rejoin the international team due to a mix of an injury and bad play.
But many had predicted that he would be called up after a stellar start to the year, in which he has scored three goals and provided two assists in just six games for Manchester United.
Rashford, along with fellow United forward Jadon Sancho, did not make the team; instead, only defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were selected, despite their minimal playing time.
The 24-year-old, though, claims that his absence is due to fitness rather than form since he suffered a minor injury earlier in the week that prevented him from travelling to Sheriff on Thursday night for the Europa League match.
He posted this message on his Twitter post by saying:
“Good luck to the boys later today, @ManUtd. In regards to @England, every player wants to represent their country and I’m no different! Unfortunately, I’m not ready yet as I’ve picked up an untimely injury.”
Good luck to the boys later today @ManUtd ⚽️💪🏾
In regards to @England every player wants to represent there country and I’m no different! Unfortunately I’m not ready yet as I’ve picked up an untimely injury. 🏴
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) September 15, 2022
England manager Southgate has made it seem like Rashford still has time to earn a spot in his team before the World Cup. Rashford will face tough competition for a spot in the England World Cup squad from players like Harry Kane, Tammy Abraham, and Ivan Toney.
Surprisingly, after being left off the team in June, Shaw has earned his spot back in the national side. He has been nursing an injury, though, and has not played in either of United’s last four league games.
