Marcus Rashford has caused quite a stir since his debut against FC Midtjylland in February. The eighteen-year-old academy product netted two goals on that occasion and has looked in impressive form since.
With a tally of seven goals in thirteen appearances, he has arguably become Manchester United’s main attacking outlet.
Pundits and fans alike have become increasingly excited by the starlet. It was then perhaps inevitable that Rashford would be linked with the England squad for Euro 2016.
Appearing on the Fletch and Sav show, Robbie Savage was vocal in his support for Rashford’s place in the squad.
“He is playing without fear. OK, it is all hypothetical, but if he keeps this form between now and the end of the season – he is playing in a struggling Manchester United team and he is playing without fear.
"If he scores 10 goals this season and is on form going into that tournament, I would take him.”
(Via Metro)
Savage’s comments come across as rash and naive. As talented as Rashford clearly is, this tournament has simply come too soon for him. Being thrust into the England set up at this stage could do more harm than good.
Firstly, the trappings of the English national team can be overwhelming for even the most seasoned professionals. We’ve seen successive generations of England players crumble under the immense expectations and constant media scrutiny of international football.
It is certainly not the ideal environment to nurture a promising young talent.
For example, few would claim that Theo Walcott’s experience at the 2006 World Cup was a positive one. The fresh-faced seventeen-year-old was catapulted into an England team which was considered a real contender for the 2006 World Cup.
What he would have found however was a camp besieged by criticism, a suffocating media circus, and players crippled by an overwhelming fear of failure.
Ultimately, England crashed out in the quarter-finals with Walcott not playing a single minute of tournament football.
In the inevitable backlash, Walcott’s very inclusion in the squad was heavily attacked (Via BBC)
Just like Walcott in 2006, it is difficult to see where Rashford would actually fit into the current England set up.
England find themselves with a wealth of attacking options. It’s a foregone conclusion that Kane, Vardy, and Rooney will be in the squad.
Assuming Hodgson takes five forwards to France, Rashford would have to displace either Welbeck or Sturridge. The former has been a consistent and versatile favourite of Hodgson, whilst the latter is proven as a lethal and prolific goal scorer.
This is a view that seems to be shared by the England management. Hodgson looks to be refusing to jump on the Rashford bandwagon. (Via Mirror)
Similarly, England U21 manager Gareth Southgate has expressed his belief that Rashford should establish himself at U21 level before making the leap to the senior squad.
"We are very conscious that when you promote a young player too quickly there can be fallout from that and at times the right thing is to move them back down and that is always more difficult”. (Via Sky Sports)
Hodgson’s and Southgate’s approach is sensible.
Ultimately Rashford has only been a Manchester United first team fixture for a matter of months. He needs to be given time to develop as a player, and gain more valuable big match experience for his club.
His talent is undeniable, and if he carries on at his current trajectory, he will surely be an important member of the squad for the 2018 World Cup.
The 2016 Euros, however, are simply a step too far, and too soon.
Do you think Rashford is good to go for the European Championship?
This is a guest post by Sathesh Alagappan.
You can continue the discussion here by commenting below.
Or via his Twitter handle @sathesh1992
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