Thomas Tuchel has contacted an England player who was left out of the Euro 2024 squad and told him he would have helped the Three Lions win the tournament.
Tuchel will take up his position at England manager in January 2025, with the goal of leading the side to World Cup glory in the summer of 2026.
And according to the Sun, the German has already reached out to Manchester United star Marcus Rashford and told him he wants to select him for England - provided he keeps up his form.
While Rashford is still not operating at his best, he has netted four goals and bagged three assists in 17 games for United this season, which is half the goal contribution tally he chalked up over 43 appearances last term.
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A Sun source is said to have told the publication: “Tuchel contacted Marcus and his representatives and told them he saw Marcus as an essential part of the England squad.
“He said he believed a big part of England’s failure to win Euro 2024 was not having Marcus as an option.
“Other teams fear his abilities and Tuchel said he believed without Rashford, England didn’t offer a strong attacking threat on the left and that made them easier to play against as a lot of the ball came down the right.
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“Tuchel is a huge admirer of Marcus. It’s a great boost for him and another encouragement to try and get back to his best.”
Rashford was left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad after scoring just eight times last season.
Before considering returning to the England squad, however, Rashford’s immediate priority will be Sunday’s Premier League clash with Leicester City at Old Trafford.
It will be United’s last game under the interim stewardship of Ruud van Nistelrooy, before Ruben Amorim takes over as manager over the international break.
Topics: Thomas Tuchel, England, Marcus Rashford, Manchester United, Euro 2024, Premier League
Chris Byfield