Gareth Southgate

Three Lions have 'huge sympathy' for visitors but Southgate wants three points for European Championship qualifying.

It is that time of the year and we have got to get the balance right of continuity, consistency, but also freshness.” “With Kalvin, (Italy) was his first 90 for a little while. “It’s a crucial game in the qualifying group, frankly. We have got several matches before we get to that point.” “There’s, of course, a desire to see players, but we are in a qualifying group, where the priority is to win the game first and foremost, so whatever we decide is with a view to doing that.” “They are very proud.

Southgate has played a key role in ensuring the victims of the conflict will be recognised in advance of their EURO 2024 qualifier but insists his main ...

If we are going to be considered a really top team we have to back up our performance in Italy and elements of our performance at Wembley tomorrow.' I feel like those are the steps forward we need to take to become winners really in major championships. 'I remember the Spain game away when we won 3-2 in Betis' stadium. 'We need to win. Whatever we decide is with a view to doing that.' 'I think he wants to contribute where he can, he was able to help us with training today as well.

Gareth Southgate offered a sly remark on Marcus Rashford's frequent absences from England camp, with the injured forward recently spotted in New York.

[ fiancee Lucia Loi](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/marcus-rashford-covers-house-rose-petals-for-fiancee-lucia-loi-cheeky-response-bruno-fernandes/blt0d8c69121654db3f), where he was spotted while England were playing Italy. England rejected the opportunity to bring in a replacement and managed just fine in Rashford's absence, with [Harry Kane scoring a record-breaking goal](https://www.goal.com/en/news/harry-kane-breaks-england-s-all-time-goalscoring-record-penalty-against-italy/blt981de098d827a325) as Southgate's side kicked off their European qualifying campaign with a historic win over Italy. WHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD? AND WHAT'S MORE: It is also not the first time Rashford has missed England duty, as Southgate alludes to. But without a doubt he was in good form. [forced to withdraw from the latest Three Lions setup](https://www.goal.com/en/news/marcus-rashford-forced-withdraw-england-squad-european-qualifiers-man-utd-knock/blt42f39abb78901c8e) due to a "knock".

England have been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of their European Championships qualifier against Ukraine, having already seen players drop out of Gareth ...

The [Arsenal](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/arsenal-fc) and [Liverpool](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc) defenders have been regulars at club level this season but missed out this time around. Rooney [congratulated his compatriot](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/wayne-rooney-england-harry-kane-29537047) on the achievement, tweeting: "Congratulations to @HKane on becoming @England 's all-time leading goalscorer. Three points at Wembley would put England in good shape to qualify for the Euros, which begin in Germany next June. Kyle and Tripps started games at the World Cup and Reece coming back is another top player so, yes, we would love to have that depth in every position on the field really." The England boss will not be calling up any additional players, though, with the likes of [Kyle Walker](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/kyle-walker), [Kieran Trippier](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/kieran-trippier) and Ben Chilwell all available for the full-back spots. It is the hardest position to pick. "We're blessed in that position with depth of talent. However, he has a long way to go to catch up with all-time leader England's players have been spotted in training ahead of Sunday's game, which is their first chance to play in front of their own fans at Wembley since December's World Cup exit. Kane was among those spotted in training, along with fellow striker Ivan Toney. "He needed a bit of time for his injury to settle down which has pretty much ruled him out of England. The right-back has already missed a number of games this season, and Mirror Football understands an ongoing issue has kept the full-back sidelined for Sunday's game.

Man United star Rashord was named in England's squad for the Euro qualifiers but he subsequently withdrew from international duty.

Southgate only used Rashford from the bench in the knockout stages of the World Cup, which he received criticism for. But without a doubt he was in good form. The forward posted pictures of himself in Central Park with his partner on social media.

England manager Gareth Southgate says he is disappointed not to have Marcus Rashford available for the upcoming Euro qualifiers against Ukraine.

Hopefully, Rashford comes back when United return to action after the international break. Southgate claimed his absence wouldn’t impact the side too much, which is funny, considering Rashford was overlooked on the bench in the latter stages of the World Cup not too long ago. Instead, Rashford has jetted off to New York with his girlfriend for some “downtime,” and we hope he enjoys the rest rather than involving himself in international matches when United still have a lot to play for this season.

Ivan Toney could make his England debut in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine on Sunday after manager Gareth Southgate admitted that the striker is ...

“We’ve got to get the balance right with continuity and consistency, but also freshness.” “There’s the desire to see players, but we’re in a qualifying group so the priority is to always win the game first and foremost.” Ivan Toney could make his England debut in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine on Sunday after manager Gareth Southgate admitted that the striker is “very much” in his thoughts.

The 25-year-old Manchester United forward was forced to withdraw from England duty ahead of this week's Euro 2024 qualifiers after picking up a knock in their ...

“Maybe Marcus feels, ‘I don’t want to be a sub and turn up for England to just sit on the bench’. He was a major star in world football in the early 1980s." He might say all the right things and say it isn’t an issue, but deep down he’ll probably be thinking, ‘We need more from Marcus’. I remember thinking as a young player, ‘If Liam is turning up…’ – it was commitment of the highest level. He was the best player at that time for Ireland. But without a doubt he was in good form.

James withdrew from the Three Lions squad on Saturday afternoon, while injury doubts elsewhere leave Southgate's squad thinner than he would like.

If we’re going to be a really top team, then we have to back up the result and the performance that we showed the other night. It is that time of the year and we have got to get the balance right of continuity, consistency, but also freshness.” If we can follow on what we did the other night and win this one, then we’re in a really good place. “We would have no idea where they might be and what their training load has been over the last couple of days. “They are very proud,” he said. He had 90 at Bristol City in the cup, so we’ll just have to assess freshness as much as anything.

The two teams meet in a Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley on Sunday.

It is that time of the year and we have got to get the balance right of continuity, consistency, but also freshness.” “With Kalvin, (Italy) was his first 90 for a little while. “It’s a crucial game in the qualifying group, frankly. We have got several matches before we get to that point.” “There’s, of course, a desire to see players, but we are in a qualifying group, where the priority is to win the game first and foremost, so whatever we decide is with a view to doing that.” “They are very proud.

Gareth Southgate will not call up new players for England's Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine on Sunday.

Without your support, it would be so difficult and tough. "They are very proud," said Southgate. "I would like to also say a massive thanks to all of the UK for all of the help and support for all of us Ukrainians, for the country, our people, all of the refugees who are living here.

Rashford pulled out of the England camp with an injury before heading to the United States.

If they get 48 hours with the schedule as it is, I think they have to take advantage of it.” “Flo we like. But he’s in good form, we’d love to have had him as an option for this camp but we haven’t got him. “I’ve known him a long time. “The players don’t get a lot of break, so I think for all of them, once they’ve got a little bit of time… I know what he’s capable of.

The Manchester United forward posted pictures on Instagram from the Big Apple on the same day England beat Italy in their Euro 2024 qualifier, ...

We would like him to give it some time and if he is progressing the way he is there will be opportunities, but I cannot offer him that this week. I don’t think that would be fair on Ivan Toney, who has scored the goals he has in the Premier League.’ It’s good to see him in the goalscoring form he’s in. ‘Once he’s ruled out of the squad, it’s entirely up to him how he spends his time,’ said Southgate on Saturday. If they get 48 hours with the schedule as it is, I think they have to take advantage of it.’ He will be nearly 33 when the next World Cup begins.

Manchester United's red-hot striker ruled himself out of the reckoning to face Italy and Ukraine in the Three Lions' two opening Euro 2024 qualifiers.

My focus then has to be on the group that are here, and how do we win the games?” “So I’ve known him a long time. I know what he’s capable of. [dropping out of the England squad](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-rashford-mount-england-squad-29505599). “In a football sense, we need to do what we need to do to win the game. “Of course, we always want the players and we always want to work with them as often as we can.

Gareth Southgate has addressed Man Utd star Marcus Rashford's holiday to New York after withdrawing from England duty.

My focus then has to be on the group that is here, and how do we win the games?" The [Manchester United](/latest/manchester-united-fc) forward fielded some criticism for travelling to New York after dropping out of contention this week with a knock. "I am always working with the players on what the best solution is for them. Of course, we always want the players, and we always want to work with them as often as we can. [Gareth Southgate](/latest/gareth-southgate) has defended [Marcus Rashford](/latest/marcus-rashford) for taking a vacation after withdrawing from the latest [England](/latest/england-football-team) squad. "The players don't get a lot of breaks, and I'm sure some of them will be flying off after tomorrow's game if they get 48 hours off with the schedule as it is.

The England manager will have to make a number of big decisions before the Three Lions meet Ukraine at Wembley on Sunday evening for another Euro 2024 ...

[Jude Bellingham](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/jude-bellingham) also impressed and will be tasked with pulling the strings once again on Sunday. The [Everton](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/everton-fc) shot-stopper could hardly be blamed for Italy's goal last time out. [Jack Grealish](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/jack-grealish) was lively in Italy but Southgate wants to keep players fresh and will be acutely aware the clubs will not want players overstretched amid a hectic domestic fixture list. [Harry Kane](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/harry-kane) become England's all-time record goal-scorer after his first-half penalty boosted his international tally to 54. [Arsenal](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/arsenal-fc) ace [Bukayo Saka](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/bukayo-saka) is adored by Southgate who will stick with the Gunners winger on the right-flank, much to the presumable dismay of Mikel Arteta who will surely be keen on the idea of the 21-year-old getting a rest. [HAVE YOUR SAY!](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/england-lineup-ukraine-southgate-shaw-29550934#comments-wrapper)How should Southgate choose to line-up against Ukraine? Comment [below](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/england-lineup-ukraine-southgate-shaw-29550934#comments-wrapper) [Declan Rice](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/declan-rice) is almost certain to keep his place after he silenced some critics and scored the opening goal against the Azzurri. [Kalvin Phillips](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/kalvin-phillips) - who has yet to start in the [Premier League](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/premier-league) for [Manchester City](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/manchester-city-fc) this season - after he completed the full 90 minutes in Naples. [John Stones](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/john-stones) and [Harry Maguire](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/harry-maguire) are likely to keep their places in the heart of the backline, while first-choice [Kyle Walker](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/kyle-walker) is expected to keep [Reece James](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/reece-james) out of the starting line-up at right-back. [Gareth Southgate](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/gareth-southgate) will be forced to make changes for [England’s](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/england-football-team) Euros qualifier with [Ukraine](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/ukraine) on Sunday. The [Tottenham](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/tottenham-hotspur-fc) talisman will be aiming to keep the momentum rolling against [Ukraine](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/ukraine-football-team) as Southgate's side aim to make it two win from two Euro 2024 qualifiers. [Jordan Pickford](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/jordan-pickford).

Man United attacker Marcus Rashford was ruled out of England's games with Italy and Ukraine through injury.

There’s been a period in the last couple of years where he’s not been as hot as that and that’s been frustrating for everybody to see but he is in good form and we hope that can continue." Of course, we always want the players and we always want to work with them as often as we can. Marcus has over 50 caps now for England and close to 50 of those have been since I’ve been the manager. My focus then has to be on the group that are here, and how do we win the games?" Discussing Rashford's absence, the Three Lions boss said: "Once Marcus is ruled out of the squad, it’s entirely up to him how he spends his time. [Rashford](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/marcus-rashford), who has scored 27 goals in 44 matches this season, has missed five of England’s last six non-tournament internationals.

Gareth Southgate confirmed that Reece James has left the England squad and returned to Chelsea after picking up an injury.

[Nigeria 0-1 Guinea-Bissau: How did THAT happen?](/en-ng/lists/nigeria-0-1-guinea-bissau-trying-to-explain-super-eagles-disaster/blt8af85e43b00b0e52) [‘Guinea fowl beat Super Chickens’, ‘They were Super Pigeons today’, ‘Most useless team on the planet?’](/en-ng/lists/guinea-fowl-beat-super-chickens-they-were-super-pigeons-today-most-useless-team-on-the-planet/blt3a725301e17cd3f0) [Nigeria Super Eagles Player Ratings vs. This is a temporary thing and hopefully, he can overcome that pretty quickly." With him, the club tends to play a game and we are a bit more cautious on the next one.

England manager Gareth Southgate has insisted he is fine with Marcus Rashford jetting off to the United States this international window having been ruled ...

We're just focused on the lads who are here and getting on with the game," he said. It's possible that he starts for United in their crunch top-four clash at Newcastle on Sunday April 2. If they get 48 hours, with the schedule as it is, I think they have to take advantage of it." If you can't see this embed, click "The priority is qualification [for Euro 2024] and that's what everybody here is focused on. [Manchester United](https://www.90min.com/teams/manchester-united) forward is rarely fit during international windows - leapt to the defence of [Rashford](https://www.90min.com/players/marcus-rashford) in this instance.

Balogun, who is enjoying a superb season at club level while on loan at Reims from Arsenal, withdrew from the latest England Under-21 squad citing an ...

Or Eddie Nketiah, who has done really well with the opportunity he has had at Arsenal. He has obviously not had an opportunity in the Premier League yet, so we have to weigh up those goals to Ivan [Toney], for example, or Ollie Watkins. We have to make them feel wanted and feel part of that. Obviously, from our side, we'd love to have him.' Is he prepared to wait a little bit for an opportunity if he backs himself and feels he can push his way into our squad? Speaking in a press conference, Southgate said: 'It is up to the player to weigh up where his heart feels.

Gareth Southgate says he has made no special push to convince Folarin Balogun to play for England despite interest from the U.S. men's national team.

will face El Salvador on Monday as they look to advance in the Nations League. In the end, as a player, I think you back yourself but you have to ultimately make the decision. The Three Lions manager says he isn't willing to give Balogun special treatment over, for example, Toney, just because the Reims striker is eligible to play somewhere else. Southgate, however, is leaving the decision to Balogun, saying he will have to be patient if he does indeed want to play for England. WHAT THEY SAID: “It is up to the player to weigh up where his heart feels," Southgate said. Balogun pulled out from a England U-21 call up due to injury, only to travel across the Atlantic Ocean to Orlando, where the USMNT are stationed for their Nations League matches.

Gareth Southgate has defended Marcus Rashford after the Manchester United forward was criticised for a trip to New York.Rashford was called up by Sout.

If they get 48 hours with the schedule as it is, I think they have to take advantage of it.” “The players don’t get a lot of break, so I think for all of them, once they’ve got a little bit of time… But he’s in good form, we’d love to have had him as an option for this camp but we haven’t got him.

Gareth Southgate has responded to the United States' attempts to poach Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun away from England.

In the end, as a player, I think you back yourself but you have to ultimately make the decision. We have to make them feel wanted and feel part of that. He said: “It is up to the player to weigh up where his heart feels.

Arsenal news: Folarin Balogun's international future is uncertain as England and USMNT fight to get the nod from the 21-year-old star.

I think if we did, I don’t think that would be fair on Ivan Toney who has scored the goals he has in the Premier League.” [ who also had fellow Hale End graduate Eddie Nketiah to add into the mix of strikers available to him](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/folarin-balogun-arsenal-erling-haaland-26553389), opened up on Balogun and his future, admitting: "It is up to the player to weigh up where his heart feels. In the end, as a player, I think you back yourself but you have to ultimately make the decision. We have to make them feel wanted and feel part of that. He has obviously not had an opportunity in the Premier League yet, so we have to weigh up those goals to Ivan [Toney], for example, or Ollie Watkins. [Balogun now has time to wait until he is next back in action, having a week off before Ligue 1 duties resume. [ Balogun has a big choice to make](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/players/christian-pulisic-balogun-chelsea-arsenal-26557678). "And look, that's it, I hope we get the chance to speak to him again. USMNT have room for a star striker, and have made no attempts to hide their admiration for the player either. Or Eddie Nketiah, who has done really well with the opportunity he has had at Arsenal. "He's out here, having a bit of a break and some training, and we've had some discussions. It comes at a time that his national allegiances remain up in the air.

Rashford pulled out of the England camp with an injury before heading to the United States.

I think if we did, I don’t think that would be fair on Ivan Toney who has scored the goals he has in the Premier League. In the end, as a player, I think you back yourself but you have got to ultimately make the decision. If they get 48 hours with the schedule as it is, I think they have to take advantage of it.” Once he’s ruled out of the squad, it’s entirely up to him how he spends his time. But he’s in good form, we’d love to have had him as an option for this camp but we haven’t got him. Qatar saw Rashford make his first England appearances since his shoot-out miss in the Euro 2020 final against Italy, which was followed by a challenging year in terms of form and fitness.

Marcus Rashford withdrew from the England squad due to injury and has since headed off to New York which has copped criticism - and there are suggestions ...

Of course, we always want the players and we always want to work with them as often as we can. [Harry Kane](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/harry-kane) commands the No 9 role but either side of him Southgate opted to start [Bukayo Saka](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/bukayo-saka) and [Jack Grealish](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/jack-grealish) in the win over Italy. Southgate added: “Marcus is in good form and we’d love to have had him as an option for this camp - but we haven’t got him." “Once Marcus is ruled out of the squad, it’s entirely up to him how he spends his time," he claimed. [Manchester United](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/manchester-united-fc) star has been in sensational form this term and is enjoying his best ever year in front of goal. Despite Cascarino's comments Southgate maintains that Rashford is free to spend his time how he wishes once it becomes clear he won't be playing. With his withdrawal, how can you decide on a player if he's not present and he's not be present enough. We are always linking with clubs on scans and assessments. The forward has now missed five of England’s last six non-tournament internationals and Cascarino believes his decision won't sit well with Southgate. England weren't aware of a trip to New York - that is going to frustrate Gareth. My focus then has to be on the group that are here, and how do we win the games?” I am always working with the players on what the best solution is for them.

James Maddison is set to start for England in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley, according to reports.

WHAT NEXT FOR MADDISON? He travelled to Qatar as part of the [MUST READ: Why PSG will pay for Tuchel miss](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/another-failed-target-psg-heavy-price-thomas-tuchel/blt22c73d79fdc72872)