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Football briefs: Rashford happy with senior England call-up

June 08, 2017 12:14 IST

United's Rashford happy with senior England call-up

Marcus Rashford

IMAGE:  England's Marcus Rashford applauds fans. Photograph: Lee Smith/Reuters

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford believes that England manager Gareth Southgate has his best interests at heart and does not feel that he has been brought into the senior set-up too quickly, the 19-year-old has said.

Rashford, who has eight caps for England, was scheduled to play in the U-21 European Championships in June, a decision United manager Jose Mourinho "made no sense".

Southgate has included Rashford in the senior squad for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Scotland and a friendly against France on June 13.

"He has had to think about what's best for England and for me as a player," Rashford said. "I'm happy to be with the seniors and to continue my development. It's important to be on the same page.

"It's something you look forward to, being selected for your country ... Whatever age group you're called upon it's important you have a mindset where you're going to achieve great things.

"To me it's not being fast-tracked. There's been a lot of games; England and United have dealt with it in a positive way."

Smalling backs Rooney to make England return

Wayne Rooney

IMAGE:  Wayne Rooney. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

The absence of Wayne Rooney from the England squad ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Scotland is a "big miss" but Manchester United team mate Chris Smalling said the forward's international career is far from over.

Rooney, England and United's record goal scorer, was dropped from manager Gareth Southgate's squad after an inconsistent domestic season where he made just 25 starts and 14 substitute appearances.

"Wayne is a big miss because of who he is but hopefully he will be back," Smalling told British media. "I think his numbers speak for themselves and he's still got a long way to go in his career.

"Whenever he makes up his mind what he's going to do next, I hope he can pull on that England shirt again and score some more goals."

Rooney has netted 253 goals for United and 53 for England.

Source: REUTERS
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