Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has been left out of England’s starting lineup for their vital Round of 32 clash against Mexico later tonight.
The Three Lions will take on Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday evening in what is considered a must-win fixture for Gareth Southgate’s side.
Much of the discussion ahead of the match has centred on Mexico’s potential advantage due to the high-altitude conditions in Mexico City, where the thinner air could test the stamina and breathing of the visiting English players.
The Mexican team, already accustomed to playing at altitude, are expected to have the edge, a factor that has been widely noted by analysts and fans alike.
However, Rashford recently downplayed any concerns over the conditions. Speaking to the media last week, the Manchester United academy graduate said that the squad is approaching the game as they would any other and are not overly worried about external factors.
Rashford had started England’s last two matches, against DR Congo and Panama. In both encounters, manager Thomas Tuchel preferred the 28-year-old over Barcelona’s new signing Anthony Gordon.
But according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Rashford will begin tonight’s match on the bench.
Ornstein reported, “After being Thomas Tuchel’s preferred choice on the left wing ahead of Marcus Rashford for England’s first two group games, Anthony Gordon was an unused substitute against Panama before coming off the bench in the round of 32.”
He added, “Gordon is now expected to start Sunday’s game at the Estadio Azteca, having provided both assists for Harry Kane during England’s second-half comeback win over DR Congo in the previous round.”
Ornstein also noted, “Jarell Quansah started at right-back in place of Reece James against Panama before suffering an injury. Djed Spence replaced him in the last outing, and Declan Rice also filled in at that position during the latter stages.”
Despite being named as a substitute in the matches against Croatia and Ghana, Rashford still made key contributions. He scored the decisive goal against Croatia to secure victory for England and was instrumental in the goalless draw with Ghana, even though he could not find the net.
The forward will be keen to make a similar impact off the bench when England face Mexico tonight.
Featured image: Michael Steele via Getty Images
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