It could mean a first competitive Three Lions start for Jadon Sancho
Gareth Southgate has had to contend with a tidal wave of injuries in the build-up to England’s games against Czech Republic and Montenegro, with Marcus Rashford the latest withdrawal for Friday’s Euro 2020 qualification opener.
Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Marcus Rashford has had to return to Manchester United because of an ankle injury and is out of the @England squad.
— John Murray (@bbcjohnmurray) March 21, 2019
Luke Shaw, Fabian Delph, John Stones, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all dropped out of the squad since it was announced, leading to call ups for James Ward-Prowse and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
But it could be another youngster, Jadon Sancho, who makes hay in Rashford’s absence with the Borussia Dortmund winger – linked to line up alongside the striker at Manchester United next season – reportedly Southgate’s pick to start at Wembley on Friday.
Rashford picked up the injury almost a month ago in United’s draw with Liverpool, a game notorious for players dropping like flies, and has played through the pain ever since. His form has dipped as a result, scoring just once from open play in the following five games.
England kick off their Euro 2020 campaign at home to the Czechs on Friday evening before travelling to Montenegro on Monday, with Bulgaria and Kosovo their fellow Group A opponents.
