Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has not been included in the 33-man provisional squad of the England men's national football team for the UEFA Euro 2024. The squad will be trimmed down to a final squad of 26 players ahead of the tournament.

England manager Gareth Southgate explained his surprising decision to omit one of the Premier League's most popular players.

"With Marcus, I feel players in the same area of the pitch have had better seasons, it's as simple as that," the 53-year-old tactician said.

Rashford's production saw a steep decline in the 2023-24 campaign, as he only scored eight goals in 42 appearances. The FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25 was their only remaining game for the season.

In contrast, the 26-year-old forward scored 30 goals in 56 appearances last season.

Manchester United also had their poorest finish ever in the Premier League in 2023-24, ending the season in 8th place.

Marcus Rashford still cheers for England

Despite missing out on the England national team squad, Rashford still extended his best wishes to the team ahead of the summer competition.

"Wishing Gareth and the boys all the best for the up and coming tournament," the Manchester United forward posted on his Instagram Stories along with the provisional roster.

Since his national team debut in 2016, Rashford has scored 17 goals for England in 60 appearances, netting three during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers.