Gareth Southgate explains Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho's omission from England squad

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Gareth Southgate has admitted there are other players "ahead" of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho after the Manchester United stars were omitted from the England squad.

Rashford and Sancho did not make the 25-man list for the friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast later this month. Manchester City ace Kyle Walker was also omitted from the squad, while U21 captain Marc Guehi has received his first senior call-up.

"There are other attacking players in our squad who are ahead of him in our opinion," said Southgate when asked about Sancho. The 21-year-old's omission is a surprise having scored two goals and provided three assists in his last six Premier League outings.

"Jadon in the last few weeks his performances have improved but it is an area of the pitch where we have competition for places," explained Southgate.

On Rashford, Southgate added: "With Marcus, he is in the same position as everyone else, whether they are in the squad or not they all have to play well in the next period, it is a difficult time for him, he is clearly not at his best. There is plenty of time, we know about Marcus, we know what he can bring to us."

England are aiming to end their 56-year wait for a major trophy at the World Cup later this year. The Three Lions lost last summer's Euro 2020 final on penalties to Italy and just 18 members of Southgate's squad for that tournament have made the current list.

Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope has been called up ahead