Gareth Southgate slammed for leaving Marcus Rashford out of England's Euro 2024 squad as Michael Owen insists out-of-form Man Utd star 'worth the risk'

Southgate has raised eyebrows with some of his selections for his Euro 2024 squad, leaving out established stars such as Rashford, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling in favour of uncapped youngsters including Adam Wharton, Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah. Southgate has said Rashford's omission is because "other players have had better seasons," and the Manchester United forward has reacted to the news by wishing the team well for the tournament.

Rashford's omission has come amid a tough season for the forward with the Red Devils. The 26-year-old has managed just seven Premier League goals and has been surpassed in the race for a Euro 2024 place by players such as Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins who have all impressed in the Premier League. Yet Owen is disappointed by Southgate's decision and feels Rashford's pace in particular is a huge asset to the squad.

Owen posted on X: "Very surprised Gareth Southgate has left Marcus Rashford out of his squad. Granted he’s had a poor season by his standards but tournament football is different and he’s always been confident in an England shirt. We’ve many talented attacking players but very few with Rashfords pace. In such a big squad, he was worth the risk."

This is the first time that Rashford has not been called up to an England squad by Southgate but the Three Lions boss still has plenty of firepower at his disposal. England fans will get a first look at the squad next month when Southgate's side take on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland in friendlies ahead of Euro 2024.