England manager Gareth Southgate has admitted Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford have 'a lot to do' if they are to make it into the Three Lions squad for this year's World Cup.
Both players were left out of Southgate's plans this summer after underwhelming seasons at club level with Manchester United, with centre-back Harry Maguire the only Old Trafford representative in the current squad.
Southgate has always been optimistic about Sancho and Rashford's eventual resurgence, but he has now fired an ominous warning to the pair ahead of what looks set to be a crucial season for the United duo.
When asked whether United's lack of Champions League football could benefit them from a physical point of view, Southgate responded: "We've only got one with us. They've got a lot to do to get back in the squad.
"Well, look, I think the lower the load then of course the less likely for injuries and the hope that players can be that little bit sharper but there's no way of knowing.
"Some players are at their best when they're in a rhythm of playing and you talk to some of our lads now and they want to play every game because that's how they feel they get to their best level.
"Others need the breaks, they need longer recovery between the matches to be at their best."
Privately, Rashford has already vowed to fight for his future at Old Trafford, having spoken to Erik ten Hag and Steve McClaren about his poor season and his role for the upcoming campaign.
United are still on the lookout for at least one new forward to sign this summer, but Ten Hag is determined to help Rashford prove himself as one of the team's top players once again.
Source : 90min