Gareth Southgate throws Man United's Marcus Rashford World Cup lifeline despite latest England squad snub

Marcus Rashford has been given fresh hope of earning a World Cup call-up by England manager Gareth Southgate.

The Manchester United forward has not played for his country since the European Championship final defeat by Italy at Wembley back in July 2021.

After a forgettable 2021-22 campaign, the forward has bounced back and started this season in style with three goals and two assists for Erik ten Hag's side. That had led to many predicting a recall for Rashford in the squad for the final two matches before the World Cup in November.

But an unfortunately-timed injury has meant he has missed out for the matches with Italy and Germany this month.

Speaking after unveiling his 28-man squad for the Nations League double-header, Southgate refused to rule out the chance of Rashford making the final cut for Qatar as he laid down a challenge for the United forward to "perform at a high level in the next few weeks".

"There were certain players we wanted to keep involved this time but that said it doesn’t mean that this is the end for some of the others who aren’t involved," said Southgate.

"Marcus Rashford, for example, has shown some encouraging signs recently. He is a player we know well so if he can perform at a high level in the next few weeks, he of course will be under consideration."

It comes as Southgate also issued a warning to Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw ahead of the World Cup, with both players currently struggling to force their way into Erik ten Hag's starting XI.