Thomas Tuchel in talks with struggling Man Utd star over England recall

Marcus Rashford is set to receive an England lifeline after Thomas Tuchel told the Manchester United star he was an ‘essential part’ of his plans.

Once a mainstay in the Three Lions set up, Rashford’s status on the international stage has plummeted over the past 18 months after a massive drop in form for his club.

In 2023/24, he scored just eight goals and made six assists in 43 games for United, leading Gareth Southgate to stunningly exclude him from his Euro 2024 squad.

With performances not improving this season, the forward has failed to make any of interim England boss Lee Carsley’s squads, with the likes of Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze, and Jack Grealish ahead in the pecking order.

However, 2025 will mark the start of a new era for England, with former Chelsea boss Tuchel set to take the reins of the national team.

And, according to The Sun, the German wants Rashford to play a huge part in his side and will get a recall in March – providing his form improves.

It is said Tuchel contacted the 27-year-old and told him that he was a ‘huge admirer’ of the player and saw him as an ‘essential part of the England squad’.

Furthermore, the new manager believes Rashford’s absence played a part in England’s struggling campaign at the Euros where they were defeated by Spain in the final, as they did not have a ‘strong attacking threat on the left’.

Since scoring on his Three Lions debut back in 2016, the United star has won 60 caps for his country, finding the back of the net 17 times.

He was part of the England squad for Euro 2016 and 2020 and the World Cups in 2018 and 2022, scoring three times at the latter tournament.

With just four goals and three assists in 17 appearances so far this season, Rashford has work to do to justify a recall to the team and will be hoping that new Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim can revitalise him.

In the meantime, England take on Greece and Ireland in the Nations League next week in Carsley’s final two games in charge.

Tuchel will make his Three Lions debut in March when qualifying for the 2026 World Cup begins, with the draw to be made in December.

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