MARCUS RASHFORD showed his class in his private response to being axed by England, according to Gareth Southgate.
SunSport learned that the Manchester United forward was not going to be part of the Three Lions’ provisional squad hours before the official announcement.
England boss Southgate then confirmed the news when naming his 33-man England squad.
The 26-year-old has represented his country at the last four major tournaments and has scored 17 goals in 60 caps.
At club level, last season he recorded a career best 30 goals in all competitions for United but he has managed to find the net just eight times this term ahead of the FA Cup Final with Man City.
And his dramatic slump in form, as well as controversial off-field issues such as his infamous trip to Belfast, have led to him being left out of the tournament squad.
However, Southgate has opened up on the star’s response after the Three Lions boss personally phoned Rashford to inform him of his decision.
Explaining his omission, he said: “He will be hugely disappointed.
“He wants to play for England, he loves playing for England, and the opportunity to play in tournaments is why you play international football.
“But again, he was really respectful. I said to him: ‘You’ve got to go and score a couple of goals at the weekend now and put things right.’”
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With 20 minutes of the news being confirmed publicly, Rashford issued a classy public statement where he wished his team-mates and international gaffer a message of support.
He wrote: “Wishing Gareth and the boys all the best for the up and coming tournament.”
And Rashford was not the only big-name absentee as Jordan Henderson also missed out despite quitting Saudi Arabia in January for Ajax.
Southgate added: “You are conscious for Marcus and Hendo really of the impact because they are two people who externally, they have people jump on them very quickly.
“And I think they know I am there to support them. Even though this has been a difficult conversation, both were really professional, really respectful.
“But of course, I am aware that that creates a bit more drama in their lives, which I don’t want them to experience but is a reality of the decision I’ve made.”
Southgate’s squad will be trimmed to just 26 players on June 8, two days before they fly to Germany.
Meanwhile, Rashford looks set to be watching all of the action from home – and he will be spoilt for choice when it comes to coverage.
BBC announced their line-up for Euro 2024 this morning before ITV followed-up with their own all-star cast of pundits.
Here's how each channel will line-up:
BBC presenters:
Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
ITV presenters:
Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods
BBC pundits:
Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabrges, Thomas Frank, Davod Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
ITV pundits:
Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rphl and Christina Unkel
BBC commentators:
Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
ITV commentators:
Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
BBC co-commentators:
Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
ITV co-commentators:
Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, and Andros Townsend
