BREAKING: Marcus Rashford issued Paul Gascoigne warning as England legend makes claim

Marcus Rashford has been left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad (Image: PA)

After his shocking World Cup exclusion in 1998, Paul Gascoigne never made it back into the England team, something David Seaman noted is always possible in the case of Marcus Rashford.

Marcus Rashford’s exclusion from the England squad for Euro 2024 has been likened by David Seaman to Paul Gascoigne’s exclusion from the 1998 World Cup, from which Gazza never returned.

Although Rashford led Manchester United to its lowest top-flight place since 1989/90, the Red Devils had a disappointing season despite his seven goals and three assists for teammates. Additionally, he was not even included in Gareth Southgate’s initial 33-man cut for Germany this summer due to fierce opposition from players like Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Anthony Gordon.

The England manager gave an explanation for his choice to bench Rashford, saying, “These are difficult calls.” Simply put, I think other players in that area have had better seasons than Marcus. That is all there is to it.” Veteran goalkeeper Seaman, a former England legend, expressed his amazement upon learning that Rashford would not be travelling to Germany, comparing the cut to Glenn Hoddle’s decision to leave Gazza out of the World Cup in France.

“The Rashford situation makes me think back to Glenn Hoddle leaving Paul Gascoigne out for the 1998 World Cup,” Seaman wrote in his piece for Betway Insider. The group played golf together to start the day. I may have been the jinx because I played alongside Ian Walker, Phil Neville, and Gazza that day, and none of them were on the team!

“I had no idea what was going to happen when Gazza entered the room after we had all had our designated slots to see the management. When he told Glen Hoddle he wasn’t going, they got into a heated disagreement. It was difficult to pick Gazza up and get him on the plane home since he was so distraught.

“I never would have thought that would be the last thing he did for England. Even though he wasn’t always in shape, he was incredibly intelligent and always seemed to have an influence. But after the management makes that decision, things don’t appear favourable. In football, it is possible to be left out once and then be eliminated.‌

Hoddle’s fitness worries led to Gazza’s exclusion in 1998; the former manager subsequently said that it was the hardest thing he had ever had to do. Gascoigne, a native of Newcastle, had played for Rangers for three years at the time of his exclusion, making 74 games and scoring 30 goals. At the time, he was regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in English history.

Despite a brief setback of missing Euro 2024, Seaman thinks Rashford might eventually find his way back into the England squad. He went on, “We are aware that he is a talented player and that, unlike Gazza, he is not hampered by any injuries. Everyone was aware that Gazza would create a magical moment, and I continue to believe Rashford is capable of doing so.”

The former England and Arsenal goalie said that he was disappointed to see Rashford having difficulties at the club level, referring to the left-winger as one of the nation’s finest players. “It’s unfortunate to see one of England’s best players struggling, though, because everyone is aware of Marcus’s abilities,” he continued.

“He’s a true professional, but the confusing thing about it is that he lacks form. Though some have suggested he should quit Manchester United, I would stay if I were him. With the exception of winning the FA Cup, which is a huge plus, they haven’t had the best seasons, but they are a very big club.

“There aren’t many larger clubs, with the possible exception of Real Madrid or Barcelona, but you have to play well to get into those teams. For United, he needs to get back into shape. He’s had one successful season and one unsuccessful season, so the upcoming season ought to be fantastic.”