The two English players Troy Deeney, a former Watford striker, feels should have been called up to Thomas Tuchel’s original Three Lions team rather than Marcus Rashford, who is back. After a successful start to life at Villa Park after his brief departure from Manchester United, the Aston Villa loanee is expected to make his first appearance on the international scene since 2024.
Although Tuchel stated that he “had the strong feeling that we should nominate him,” the choice has generated controversy because of the winger’s poor play over the previous 18 months. Deeney has now listed two more options that he feels were passed over for a spot in the team in order to make room for Rashford.
Deeney Names Nottingham Forest and Other Villa Star Deserving of Call-Up
The striker also explained why Tuchel may have opted for Rashford
In an interview with talkSPORT, Deeney asserted that Rashford’s Villa teammate Jacob Ramsey and Nottingham Forest talisman Morgan Gibbs-White were far more worthy of a spot in Tuchel’s squad than the 27-year-old. The two were among the most ruthless exclusions from Friday’s news, and they have been in outstanding form.
Deeney made the case for the two attacking midfielders while also providing some justification for Rashford’s possible selection. Rashford has yet to score for his new team.
Regarding Rashford’s loan stint, Deeney remarked, “Obviously he’s trying to get back up to speed and it’s hard mid-season when you’re trying to catch up and everyone is in full flow.” “The pool of number nines is not very large. Marcus may have entered as the second or third no. 9 for that reason.
“To tell the truth, I’m not (having that).” I want to be clear that Marcus Rashford is not the subject of this. It has nothing to do with him. It concerns the other players who have been working diligently and consistently delivering excellent performances, only to be disregarded due of Marcus Rashford’s name.
“Players like Jacob Ramsey at Aston Villa or Morgan Gibbs-White have been outstanding.
Rashford’s 2024–25 numbers in comparison to Ramsey and Gibbs-White
Stat
Rashford
White-Gibbs
Ramsey
Games
33
26
34
Minutes
1961
2044
1706
Objectives
7.
5.
3.
Helps
7.
6.
5.
Minutes for each G&A
140.07
185.82
213.25
When it comes to international experience, Rashford has more than Gibbs-White and Ramey combined, having amassed 60 caps. Despite the widespread belief that Ramsey and Gibbs-White have been playing better, the data indicates that the 2024 FA Cup winner has actually been more productive.
With Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly receiving their first call-ups, Ramsey would have been the third player in line to make their senior international debut.
