England's national football team has encountered a rocky start in the Euros, prompting scrutiny over their squad selections and tactics. Despite securing a 1-0 victory against Serbia in their opener, their subsequent 1-1 draw with Denmark has stirred controversy, particularly regarding Gareth Southgate's decision to exclude Marcus Rashford from the squad.

Marcus Rashford, known for his versatility and experience, especially in high-stakes international tournaments, was notably absent from England's Euro 2024 roster. This omission stemmed from Rashford's underwhelming performance during the 2023/24 season with Manchester United. Instead, Southgate opted for younger talents such as Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer, and Ivan Toney, which has sparked debate and criticism given England's struggle to find consistency on the field.

Marcus Rashford's agent criticizes Gareth Southgate

Dwaine Maynard, Marcus Rashford's brother and footballing agent, did not mince words in expressing his disappointment with Southgate's decision. Following England's draw against Denmark, Maynard took to social media to voice his discontent, stating, “It's hard to sit and watch when you honestly believe your man could make a difference.” His statement was a clear reference to Rashford's absence and implied that the forward's inclusion could have bolstered England's performance.

The criticism directed at Southgate underscores the high expectations surrounding the national team, particularly in major tournaments like the Euros. Fans and pundits alike have questioned whether the decision to leave out a player of Rashford's caliber was justified, especially as England navigates tough matches.

Evaluating England's Performance

England's campaign in Euro 2024 has been a mixed bag. While the win against Serbia provided a positive start, the draw against Denmark highlighted vulnerabilities, particularly in attack. The team's inability to secure a victory against Denmark, despite dominating possession, raised concerns about their effectiveness in converting chances into goals.

Southgate's tactical decisions have also come under scrutiny. The use of younger players like Eze, Palmer, and Toney reflects his preference for fresh talent and versatility. However, the absence of experienced campaigners like Rashford has left some questioning whether the squad has the necessary balance and depth to compete at the highest level.

Looking ahead to Slovenia clash

As England prepares for their final group stage match against Slovenia on June 25, the focus is on securing a decisive victory to advance confidently to the knockout stages. Southgate faces the challenge of motivating his team and refining their gameplay to ensure they perform at their peak.

The match against Slovenia will be a crucial test for England. It represents an opportunity to address shortcomings observed in previous games and to demonstrate their ability to bounce back from setbacks. Southgate must rally his squad to deliver a cohesive and disciplined performance that showcases their potential to contend for the Euro 2024 title.

England's Euro 2024 campaign has been marked by both promise and criticism. The decision to omit Marcus Rashford has stirred debate, with Rashford's agent publicly expressing disappointment over the exclusion. As England prepares for their final group stage match against Slovenia, the pressure is on Southgate and his squad to deliver a performance that validates their selection choices and ambitions in the tournament. The outcome of the Slovenia clash will not only determine their progression to the knockout stages but also shape perceptions of England's competitiveness and cohesion under Southgate's leadership. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as the Three Lions strive to overcome challenges and stake their claim in Euro 2024.