Marcus Rashford England return shut down amid Aston Villa form – ‘Miles off it’
Marcus Rashford has no chance of a return to the England squad in the wake of his form for Aston Villa despite claims to the contrary, according to Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist.
The attacker joined Unai Emery‘s side on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy back in the January transfer window.
It was a move that came after Rashford had been linked with a number of clubs after falling out with Man United manager Ruben Amorim.
Having eventually secured a move to the Midlands, Rashford has impressed with his performances for Aston Villa on a number of occasions, albeit most of his outing have come as a substitute.
That has now led to some suggestions that the 27-year-old could be in line for a return to the international scene with England, although it seems not all are convinced by that idea.
Jeff Stelling, Ally McCoist discuss Marcus Rashford England return
Rashford has not appeared in the England squad since March last year in the wake of his struggles at Old Trafford.
However, new England manager Thomas is set to announce his squad for the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia in the coming days.
Amid his resurgence in form following his move, Gabby Agbonlahor believes Rashford could be in line for a return to the international set-up.
| Marcus Rashford for Aston Villa | Total (as per Transfermarkt) |
| Appearances | 6 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
| Minutes Played | 285 |
Speaking on talkSPORT about the on-loan Man United attacker, the former Aston Villa striker said: “He just looks like he’s having fun, and he looks like a superstar, we are lucky to have him. He is a superstar special talent and I would not be surprised if he gets another England call-up.”
Stelling and McCoist however, are less sure about the chances of Rashford pulling on an England shirt before the end of the month.
Reacting to those comments the following day (Tuesday 4 March), McCoist stated he would be “surprised” if that happens.
Stelling meanwhile reacted by claiming: “I’m loathe to say this, I think Gabby’s miles off it, I think he’s miles off it!
“I mean Marcus Rashford’s been there five minutes and he’s done pretty well but mainly coming off the bench. Now if he’s coming off the bench for Villa, you can’t really expect to be in the England team in my view.”
McCoist then reacted to that claim by saying: “Spot on!”
Marcus Rashford should focus on Aston Villa for now
Football Insider Verdict
There is no doubt that the attacker has performed remarkably well ever since he completed his move to Unai Emery’s side.
However, there are questions about just how fit Rashford is given his game time at Aston Villa has been limited so far.
With that in mind he may not be ready for a return to the international fold yet, when the break could in fact do him some good in terms of recuperating and improving those fitness level.
Indeed, there have been claims that Rashford has reduced sponsorship work in a bid to focus on his football with Aston Villa, suggesting he knows he is not yet at his top level.
An England call-up would therefore make little sense for now, and could even hamper his chances of getting to that peak form quickly if it interrupts his routine.
Tuchel may therefore want to overlook him this month, but if he is able to continue in the same vein as he has done recently, there is no reason he should not be back with the Three Lions further down the line.
Of course, while he is still only 27-years-old, there is plenty of time left for that to happen.