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Why Marcus Rashford did not start for England in their match against Senegal.
Gareth Southgate has explained his reasons for not starting Marcus Rashford in England’s 3-0 win over Senegal in the World Cup round of 16.
In England’s last Group B match against Wales, Rashford scored twice, but Southgate left him off the starting eleven as Bukayo Saka returned to the team. Raheem Sterling was forced to miss the game after his family’s home was broken into on Saturday night, but Phil Foden, who entered the game at the same time as Rashford, kept his spot.
Before the game, it was widely believed that Rashford would hold his spot, but Southgate explained to ITV why he chose to recall Saka after the victory.
“He [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,” Southgate said.
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“We’ve, of course, got an embarrassment of riches in that area of the pitch. But we’ve liked Bukayo’s performances and we think Phil and him deserve their opportunity.”
During a convincing victory, Saka and Foden were two of England’s best players, but Jude Bellingham, a 19-year-old, stole the show.
In addition to penetrating through the midfield lines to create the chance that resulted in Harry Kane’s second goal, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder was important in assisting England to break the scoreless tie.
“We’ve got some super young players that we feel it’s been right to give them their head and their opportunity – Jude, Phil, Bukayo tonight in particular,” Southgate added of his young Lions.
“They’re heading in a really good direction and these games are brilliant life experience for them.”
He continued: “Well I think the progress they’re making is phenomenal. I think the team have made a very complicated game tonight look straightforward and that wasn’t the case. But I think because of the mentality and the attitude (of the squad) we’ve made it look that way.”