Southgate lays down challenge for duo to keep their England place ahead of Euro’s

England manager Gareth Southgate has issued a warning to two players ahead of an important summer.

Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford are facing a challenge to secure a spot in the Euro 2024 squad as the Three Lions attempt to win glory in Germany this summer.

Both Rashford and Grealish have encountered challenging seasons at their respective clubs for various reasons. Southgate, who also mentioned Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones would likely have been in the squad if not for his injury, suggested that both players are in danger of not making the tournament squad altogether.

Rashford, included in the squad to face Brazil and Belgium, has faced criticism for a below-par season, having scored only seven goals in the Premier League. Additionally, he recently faced reprimand from Manchester United for missing training following a trip to Belfast.

Likewise, Grealish has struggled to replicate the form of the previous season and has experienced inconsistent appearances in the Manchester City lineup since Jeremy Doku’s arrival.

Southgate sets challenge for Grealish and Rashford as their England place is in doubt

Southgate spoke about the tough battle the two attackers have on their hands: “He [Rashford] has a battle on his hands with Gordon, with [Cole] Palmer, with [Phil] Foden – so we’ve got big competition for places in that area of the field,” via the Daily Mail.

The England manager also commented on Rashford’s previous off-pitch antics: “We observe everything. I don’t say behaviours off the field are irrelevant because clearly they’re not.

“But the key thing is we are mainly focusing on the performances on the field. He’s got big competition. So has Jack.”

England have four friendlies, Brazil, Belgium, Bosnia and Iceland, before they get their Euro 2024 campaign underway in the heart of the summer.