Gareth Southgate reckons Marcus Rashford will be ‘okay’ after the Manchester United star was forced off injured during England’s 2-0 win over Malta.
The United forward collided with Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold at the beginning of the second half. Rashford came off worse and had to be forced off but it sounds like Southgate’s decision was a precautionary one.
England’s 2-0 win came as a result of an own goal from Enrico Pepe and a Harry Kane strike which ensured that they kept their unbeaten run in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Rashford appeared to have suffered from a knock and received medical attention on the pitch before being replaced by Chelsea starlet Cole Palmer, who made his debut for the Three Lions.
An injury to Rashford is the last thing United need because Erik ten Hag was already without nine players prior to the international break. That, on top of Andre Onana’s forced substitution tonight, only makes matters somehow worse.
Southgate’s update suggests Rashford has just sustained a minor knock, but I hope he is kept out of England’s next qualifier, especially with them already after securing their place at Euro 2024.
In his post-match press conference, Southgate said (via the Metro): “I think he [Rashford] is probably okay.
“We just thought given the nature of the collision and it was a chance to get Cole in to the game. I haven’t assessed too much but I think he was okay when he came off.”
Hopefully it’s a similar story for Onana.
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
