Back to the Manchester United Newsfeed

Gareth Southgate reveals difficult decision in leaving Marcus Rashford out of the starting line-up for Senegal clash... as Three Lions boss explains 'excellent' Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden deserved to play

England boss Gareth Southgate has revealed the reasons behind Marcus Rashford's omission from the starting line-up that faced Senegal last night.

The Manchester United forward started the game on the bench - before coming on as a second-half substitute - as England recorded a 3-0 win to book a quarter-final match against France.

Many expected the 25-year-old to be involved from the off after his brace against Wales, but Southgate has now explained his decision to leave Rashford out.

Marcus Rashford started England's round of 16 tie against Senegal from the bench on Sunday
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate (2R) has explained the reason for Rashford's omission

Speaking to ITV after the game, Southgate said: 'He [Bukayo Saka] was excellent in our first two matches, we think Marcus was also very good and it’s great to have him to be able to come into the game as it opens up.