Phil Jones shows support to Marcus Rashford after ex-Man Utd teammate’s England snub

Rashford was one of several high-profile exclusions from the England squad selected for the European Championship. The Manchester United forward had a relatively poor season and, with England boss Gareth Southgate choosing his squad on form, could not be surprised by his exclusion. Despite this, his former teammate Jones believes he still should have been selected.

Speaking to Ladbrokes 1-2-Free, Jones said: “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.

“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.”

Rashford is not the only shock exclusion from the squad. Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Spurs’ James Maddison have also been dropped from the provisional squad. The exclusion of Grealish even prompted shock from the Germany squad, who believes the City star offers more of a threat than Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.

Rashford has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford as he looks to bounce back from a difficult season. He will have to watch on as his England teammates compete in Germany. The Three Lions kick off their Euro 2024 tournament against Serbia on 16 June.