By James Cohen For Mailonline
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England boss Gareth Southgate has revealed that his ’embarrassment of riches’ in attack was the reason why he dropped Marcus Rashford against Senegal, saying that Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden both deserved their chance.
The Manchester United forward started the game on the bench – before coming on as a second-half substitute – as England recorded a 3-0 win to book a quarter-final match against France.
Many expected the 25-year-old to be involved from the off after his brace against Wales, but Southgate has now explained his decision to leave Rashford out.
Marcus Rashford started England’s round of 16 tie against Senegal from the bench on Sunday
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate (2R) has explained the reason for Rashford’s omission
Speaking to ITV after the game, Southgate said: ‘He [Bukayo 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.
‘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 [Foden] and him deserve their opportunity.’
Arsenal’s Saka and Man City’s Foden were given the nod over Rashford as the side’s starting wingers and it paid dividends as they linked up to combine for final goal of the game.
Saka put the finishing touches on a sweeping England move after Foden had drilled the ball into him and the Arsenal star poked home.
Foden also got the assist for Harry Kane’s well-taken finish at the end of the first-half.
Southgate explained that he’s been impressed with Bukayo Saka’s performances in Qatar
Manchester City’s Phil Foden (left) has also had a big impression on the England manager
Rashford was brought into the match in the 65th minute, but with the game already wrapped up, there was little he needed to do.
The United forward wasn’t the only player to find himself dropped from the starting line-up as Chelsea’s Mason Mount – who started England’s opening two fixtures – also started on the bench on Sunday.
Mount’s club team-mate, Raheem Sterling, missed the fixture due to personal reasons after armed burglars broke into his Surrey mansion.
Both players will be hoping they have a part to play in England’s crucial quarter-final clash with reigning champions France next Saturday.
The Three Lions will face France in the quarter-finals of the World Cup after beating Senegal
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