Erik ten Hag has revealed that Marcus Rashford’s absence from England’s 26-man Euro 2024 squad did not surprise him.

After having his most productive season to date in the Dutchman’s first season in charge at Old Trafford, Rashford struggled to maintain his form last season.

Despite his inconsistent performances, Rashford’s omission from Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 surprised many, especially given the England manager’s reputation for pairing favourites with stalwarts.

Southgate made even more bold decisions when he reduced his squad to 26 earlier this month, leaving out players like Jack Grealish and James Maddison due to their club form.

‘Grease and Rashford were both underperforming this season.’ Ten Hag stated on Dutch television network NOS.

Rashford was left out of United’s FA Cup win over Newport before returning to the starting XI for a game against Wolves days after the incident.

‘And when you are lacking, you rιsk not being selected for your country.’

Rashford’s season reached its lowest point in January, when he missed training ahead of an FA Cup match against Newport County.

Rashford reportedly arrived in the Northern Irish capital on a private jet from Manchester before checking into the five-star Fitzwilliam Hotel and visiting the Ԁirty Onion pub and Lavery’s bar.

The following day, after visiting Larne FC, where his friend Ro-Shaun Williams had recently signed, the 26-year-old went to an Italian restaurant, where it is claimed he did not touch his food and instead focused on shots of tequila and cocktails.

A source close to Rashford told The Sun that he left the club at 1.15 a.m.

However, Sarah Aadir, a waitress he had invited out with the group, claimed they stayed out until nearly 2 a.m. before his security decided to take him back to the hotel.

After she agreed to join him, Rashford asked Adair if she knew any nightclubs that would stay open after 3 a.m. if he paid them enough money.

‘That made it clear to me that he had already decided that he would not attend training on Friday. ‘He had no plans to go home that night,’ she explained.

When they returned to the Fitzwilliam Hotel, where Rashford was staying in the £1,500-per-night residence suite, Adair claimed she needed to put him to bed.

Adair told The Sun, ‘He was extremely Ԁrunk at this point.

‘Then he falls back into the wall, and I have to sort of scoop him up and onto the bed.

‘He was fully dressed, and I believe he simply passed out like that. He didn’t even get under the blankets.

She awoke at 9.30am on Friday to discover Rashford had left four and a half hours before.

He arrived back in Manchester at 8 a.m., but did not train that day because he called in sick.

According to a source close to Rashford, he had less than £1,000 in cash on him, and he admits that his standards have fallen far short of expectations.

Ten Hag stood by the 26-year-old following the incident, sitting him out against Newport before returning him to the starting lineup against Wolves just days later.

Despite the show of faith, Rashford continued to strugglе in front of goal, scoring only four league goals after the turn of the year as United suffered their worst Premier League finish ever.

Ten Hag also mentioned Jack Grealish while discussing players who missed out, emphasizing the significance of club form in the selection process.

Ten Hag also predicted England would go all the way in Germany, citing Southgate’s attacking talent.

‘England has an excellent squad; they are favorites for a reason. They have the best midfield of any country in the Euros.

‘They have Harry Kane as their striker. On the wings, they have an incredible amount of quality.