Just over two hours after learning England’s Euro 2024 group-stage opponents, Gareth Southgate faced a pressing selection dilemma at St James’ Park, where Anthony Gordon not only secured the winning goal for Newcastle against Manchester United but also, in tandem with Tino Livramento, dismantled the visitors down the left flank throughout most of the game.
A key factor in this exploit was Marcus Rashford’s struggles, shifted from his preferred left side to the right to accommodate Alejandro Garnacho. Gordon’s forward play outshone Rashford’s, showcasing incisiveness, threat, and danger.
On the defensive end, Rashford faltered in tracking Livramento, leaving himself exposed. As former Newcastle forward Alan Shearer observed on Match of the Day: “He didn’t look at it and didn’t look interested.”
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag avoided delving into Rashford’s dip in form, while counterpart Eddie Howe sidestepped the England issue. However, the predicament is evident. Summing up the match for TNT Sports, Jermaine Jenas highlighted the matter.
“Gareth Southgate has to give serious consideration to selecting Anthony Gordon,” he asserted. “We know he is loyal to players he has selected before, but compared to Marcus Rashford, his [Gordon’s] work-rate is far superior at the moment. You cannot ignore what Gordon is doing.”
Ten Hag to Address Rashford’s Form Privately, Avoids Media Spotlight
In the previous season, Rashford notched an impressive 30 goals, showcasing particular lethality in the post-World Cup period. However, this term, his scoring exploits have been limited to two instances – once against Arsenal in early September and another from the penalty spot last week against Everton.
When questioned about Rashford’s form by TNT Sports, Ten Hag responded cryptically, stating, “I talk with him about that, not the media.”
Further probed in his post-match press conference, Ten Hag defended Rashford, acknowledging the player’s struggle to meet his own high standards. “I know this issue is coming up. Marcus is investing a lot. We support him, and he will return to his form. He will recover, and he gets all our support.”
The next squad selection for Southgate is in March, and while form can change swiftly, comparisons with Gordon are inevitable. Gordon has impressively scored in four consecutive home Premier League games, adding Manchester United to his list of conquests alongside Arsenal and Liverpool, highlighting his impact against top-tier teams.
“He is playing at a very high level and has been all season,” remarked Howe. “Now he is getting the goals, and you need headlines if you are to force your way into the England squad with the competition there is.”
