Gareth Southgate sends message to Manchester United star Marcus Rashford after latest England squad snub

Gareth Southgate says Marcus Rashford still has a chance of making England’s World Cup squad despite being left out of the latest 28-man selection for this month’s warm-up friendlies.

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The Manchester United star has given some very encouraging performances so far this season under new United boss Erik ten Hag, netting three times and laying on two assists in just six Premier League appearances.

He is currently dealing with a small injury problem which means he will play no role in United’s Europa League trip to Sheriff on Thursday night, though that does not appear to have been a consideration for his omission from the England squad.

Southgate says he still wanted to stick by players from his previous squad – such as Jarrod Bowen, who is yet to score or assist this season – but the door remains firmly open for Rashford and others if they can keep on impressing.

‘Although our results were disappointing in the summer, we have picked on the basis of form and capability over a long period,’ explained the Three Lions boss, who did not hold a press conference due the country being in a period of mourning and instead released a short statement.

‘There were certain players we wanted to keep involved this time, but that said it doesn’t mean that this is the end for some of the others who aren’t involved.

‘Marcus Rashford, for example, has shown some encouraging signs recently. He is a player we know well so if he can perform at a high level in the next few weeks, he of course will be under consideration.’

There was no mention of Jadon Sancho, who has also started to sparkle once again under Ten Hag, but both Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw made the squad even though their game time has been