Alarming statistic proves Gareth Southgate made mistake not bringing Manchester United star to Euro 2024

Marcus Rashford was overlooked by Gareth Southgate when the England squad for Euro 2024 was announced.

The out-of-form forward scored just eight goals last season and his performances were below par.

This is essentially why Southgate left him out of his provisional 33-man Euro 2024 squad, but has that decision come back to bite Southgate in the backside? Rashford was overlooked for players like Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer and Ivan Toney.

It was a risky decision that overlooked the importance of experience at international tournaments.

The Three Lions have reached the last-16 but their performances have been abysmal for a side deemed favourites to go all the way in Germany. England struggled to beat Serbia 1-0 before drawing with Denmark and Slovenia in Group C.

One of England’s biggest issues is when Harry Kane comes deep to retrieve the ball, the Bayern Munich striker has no outlet to run in behind the opposition’s defence. Rashford would be perfect for this and I can’t help but think he would have caused problems for teams at the European Championship.

Embed from Getty Images

Last night I came across an incredible statistic, which only strengthens the argument for Southgate making a mistake by omitting Rashford.

The England forward scored more goals in the group stages of the last World Cup than the entire side has managed in the group stages at Euro 2024.

Marcus Rashford scored more goals in the group stages of the last World Cup than the entire England side has managed in the group stages at Euro 2024.

— Sam Pilger (@sampilger) June 25, 2024

Statistic courtesy of Sam Pilger

Following England’s defeat by France in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final, Southgate faced scrutiny about his decision to not introduce Rashford until the final five minutes, when his side were already trailing.

I bet Southgate misses Rashford now.

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