Southgate sends Rashford a warning after Belfast have their next team weeks away
MARCUS RASHFORD has been warned by Gareth Southgate: I'm watching you.
The 26-year-old Manchester United star striker was fined £650,000 (two weeks' wages) by Erik ten Hag for missing training after his bender in Belfast last month.
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Rashford scored on his return to the Red Devils at Wolves but Southgate, who has other attacking options in Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and James Maddison, is keeping an eye on the behavior of his stars ahead of the 2024 Euros.
Southgate said: “We are five weeks away from picking a squad. So much happens to players in the period between November and March that we always keep an eye on everything on and off the field.
“In a few weeks we will have to make decisions about the entire team and a lot of attention will be paid to that, because it is the last team before the European Championship.”
Southgate has not yet spoken to Rashford about his back-to-back nights in Northern Ireland.
The Three Lions boss added: “I haven't spoken to many of our players at all since December. I let them get on with their club football.
“Generally they are back from their clubs and it is not for me to interfere.”
While Southgate is keeping an eye on Rashford, the England boss is also keeping an eye on United team-mate Kobbie Mainoo.
The 18-year-old midfielder has impressed for the Red Devils in a breakthrough season and Southgate says he is already thinking long-term.
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Southgate said: “He is doing fantastic for a young player and had an excellent start for United.
“I'm not sure he will necessarily be a defensive midfielder.
“He's a pretty progressive player. But he's had a fantastic start to his career and it will be good to keep an eye on him as we move forward.”
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