Rashford one of three star names DROPPED from England squad for Switzerland and Ivory Coast but Guehi gets first call-up
MARC GUEHI has been named in England’s squad by Gareth Southgate for the very first time – but there was no place for Marcus Rashford.
And his Manchester United team-mate Jadon Sancho and Man City defender Kyle Walker also miss out.
The Three Lions boss has named his latest squad as he begins preparations for the World Cup in Qatar.
National treasure Rashford, who was abused by supporters outside Old Trafford this week, has paid the price for an under-par campaign that has seen him score just five goals.
Discussing the forward’s omission, Southgate said: “He is in the same position as everyone else, whether they are in the squad or not.
“They’ve all got to play well towards the end of this season and in particular at the beginning of next season.
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“It is a difficult time for him, he’s clearly not at his best, but there is plenty of time.
“We know what Marcus can bring and hopefully he can rediscover the form he’s capable of.”
His United pal Sancho has enjoyed a revival of late with the Red Devils, but that has still not been enough to convince Southgate.
He explained: “You just have to look at the other attacking players in the squad; Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Phil Foden.
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“Jadon’s performances have improved at Manchester United, but it is an area where we have big competition for places.”
And the Crystal Palace star, 21, has been handed his first senior international call up for the upcoming friendlies.
The defender has impressed since moving to Selhurst Park from Chelsea last summer.
Guehi, who has 16 caps for England U21s, has become a mainstay in Patrick Vieira’s side and will now be hoping to try and seal a place in Qatar this winter.
England take on both Switzerland and Ivory Coast, who Guehi is also eligible to represent at international level, at Wembley.
They first face the Swiss on Saturday 26 March before taking on the African nation three days’ later.
The camp will be a vital one for Southgate as it is one of just three before the team heads to the Middle East in November.
Full squad listed below:
GOALKEEPERS
Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
DEFENDERS
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Coady (Wolves), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Ben White (Arsenal)
MIDFIELDERS
Jude Bellingham (Dortmund), Conor Gallagher (Crystal Palace, on-loan from Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
FORWARDS
Tammy Abraham (Roma), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Man City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Man City)