Gareth Southgate: 'Under-21s selection not step backwards for Marcus Rashford'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 04 September 2016

Gareth Southgate reiterates that Marcus Rashford will have a big part to play for the senior side in the years to come, despite being overlooked for the latest squad.

Gareth Southgate has told Marcus Rashford that his inclusion in the England Under-21s squad should not be seen as a "demotion".

The Manchester United youngster missed out on selection for the senior side due to a lack of minutes in the early weeks of the Premier League season.

Rashford, a rare shining light for the Three Lions at Euro 2016, opened his account for the season when scoring late on against Hull City last weekend, but had already been chosen for Under-21s action.

Southgate believes that it is a positive step for the 18-year-old, however, who he insists will become a regular for the national side at senior level in time for the 2018 World Cup.

"It is not a demotion to be with the U21s, not at all. It is a chance for him to start matches and it is a valuable experience paying for your country at any level and Marcus will benefit from it," he told reporters.

"Many have already benefited from their time with the U21s and to be part of the squad that goes to Russia [World Cup 2018] should be his target – along with the other players I have with me. Marcus has one hell of a future and with the U21s, so hopefully we can help him develop his potential."

England face Norway in a UEFA U21 qualifying clash in Colchester on Tuesday.