Alan Shearer hails one Manchester United star and warns another that he’d lose his England place
Alan Shearer has given his analysis of the England squad after the latest international break.
Alan Shearer spoke highly of youngster Kobbie Mainoo, but was critical of Marcus Rashford, whom he warned that he may lose his place for England soon.
Rashford was an unused substitute against Belgium and only played 15 minutes against Brazil.
Writing for The Athletic, Shearer said of the United forward: “If Rashford plays well between now and the end of the season, then that could potentially force the manager’s hand. But I don’t think he’s a certainty to go, no.
“He’s not a centre-forward, he doesn’t want to play there. He’d be going as a wide forward who can play as a striker in an emergency.
“You can tell from his body language that he doesn’t want to play there for Manchester United. If he’s going to be in the squad, it wouldn’t be ahead of Harry Kane, Watkins or Toney, it’d be as a wide forward.”
He continued: “Mainoo definitely [played his way into Southgate’s plans], considering that this season he’s been unbelievable. What a story, given where he was last summer to where he is now.
“You haven’t got time to mess around when it comes to making an impression. The games are very limited so when you get an opportunity, you have to take it.
“The problem the wingers have is there are so many of them. Grealish, Jarrod Bowen, Rashford, Gordon and Bukayo Saka, to name just a few, and so at least a couple of good players could miss out.
“Grealish and Rashford are definitely under pressure for their positions. It’s tough but, whoever Gareth picks, he can just point at all the options, whereas defensively he doesn’t have anywhere near as much depth.”