Rashford 'has got a LONG way to go' to make World Cup, insists Dawson

Dropped England star Marcus Rashford is up against it if he wants to make the World Cup squad, insists ex-defender Michael Dawson. 

The 24-year-old was omitted from the Three Lions squad that recorded victories at Wembley against Switzerland on Saturday and against Ivory Coast on Tuesday night. 

The Manchester United forward has only scored five goals in all competitions this term - some way down on the 21 that he managed in 2020-21 - and has started just three league games in 2022.

Raheem Sterling - who starred for his country at last summer's Euro 2020 after a difficult end to the season with Man City - meanwhile captained England and scored the second goal in their win against Ivory Coast.

And speaking to Sky Sports after the game, former Tottenham and England centre-back Dawson said Rashford would struggle to get in the squad due to the options available, and expects Phil Foden to start for England in Qatar with City team-mate Sterling and Harry Kane. 

'I think ahead of the Euros in the summer he [Sterling] went into the tournament not being in great form for Manchester City, and people questioned that. But he didn't disappoint,' Dawson said.

'For me he plays there [on the left wing]. I'm a big, big fan of Foden.  I was disappointed in the summer we did not see more of him.'

When Dawson was asked whether Foden, 21, should start ahead of Arsenal star Bukayo Saka and Man United's Jadon Sancho at the World Cup, Dawson added: 'For me yes. I think Foden is top, [Jack] Grealish, [Emile] Smith Rowe... we are blessed with talent. 

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