Marcus Rashford ‘is set to be DROPPED’ for England’s friendlies this month

Marcus Rashford’s on-field struggles are set to go from bad to worse amid reports he is likely to be left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad later this month.

He has fallen down the pecking order at club level with Manchester United and has not started a Premier League game since the 1-1 draw with Southampton on February 12.

And now ESPN report that he is set to be dropped for England’s friendlies against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast this month, as his slump in form continues.

Marcus Rashford could be omitted for Gareth Southgate’s squad for friendlies later this month

The 24-year-old has not worn an England shirt since Euro 2020 after undergoing surgery on his shoulder. 

However, he did score on his return to action during Manchester United’s 4-2 loss to Leicester in October. 

It looked as though Rashford had picked up right where he had left off – despite the fact he had not played football since August.

Although, it didn’t last long as Rashford found himself falling further down the pecking order under Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick. 

Southgate’s side are due to take on Switzerland and the Ivory Coast in friendlies at Wembley

Rashford has not featured for England since their Euro 2020 campaign that ended in penalties

Having scored just five goals in 24 appearances for United, Rangnick decided to put his faith in Anthony Elanga instead. 

The 19-year-old starlet impressed the interim manager and secured his place in the Manchester United XI for the foreseeable future. 

As a result, Rashford has started just two of the Manchester United’s last 11 games in all competitions. He has also failed to score in his last seven games for the Red Devils.

Therefore Southgate will most likely leave Rashford out of the his England squad for the Three Lions’ upcoming friendlies. 

Southgate has previously said he would only select players who are performing consistently for their clubs.   

Harry Kane, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka are all expected to feature for Southgate against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast. 

Kane (left), Grealish (right), Sterling, Foden and Saka are all expected to feature for England

Jadon Sancho could be recalled to Southgate’s England squad after finding his feet at United

Jadon Sancho may receive a recall to the England squad after finding his feet at Manchester United. While, West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen is expected to get the nod for his first cap after excelling in the Premier League. 

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also returned to full fitness, making his an option for Southgate. While Eberechi Eze is said to be on the England manager’s radar. 

Therefore, ESPN report, there is little space in the England squad for Rashford and he has done little to prove why he should be there. 

Additionally, Southgate highlighted the important of players proving their worth over the coming weeks when speaking about the squad’s World Cup preparations during the FA Cup draw last week. 

Rashford (left) is on Paris Saint-Germain’s list of candidates to replace Kylian Mbappe (right)

PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino – a front runner for the United job – is a huge fan of Rashford

He emphasised the fact the competition on Qatar is ‘just around the corner’ the fact ‘every moment’ between then and now is important. 

Therefore, Rashford may look to leave Manchester United during the summer transfer window. 

Rashford is said to be on on Paris Saint-Germain’s list of candidates to replace Kylian Mbappe – who is set to leave France at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Sources insist Rashford has not made any decisions and is focused on regaining top form to win back his place at Old Trafford. However, PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is a huge fan of him.

Sportsmail understands that PSG explored the possibility of signing the 24-year-old last summer but United had no intention of letting him leave.