GARETH SOUTHGATE may have to go into England’s World Cup triple header without Marcus Rashford.
The Manchester United striker is doubtful for Sunday’s FA Cup meeting with Leicester.
If he does not make the sixth-round tie then boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fears he will have to withdraw him from World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.
Rashford was replaced by goal-hero Paul Pogba in Thursday’s Europa League 1-0 win over AC Milan.
The 23-year-old has had a series of injuries and was frequently troubled by a back ailment.
Solskjaer is unsure how serious Rashford’s current problems are.
He said: “I don’t know to be honest. He struggled a little bit in Milan so he’s doubtful for Sunday but we hope he will be OK.
“Of course if he can’t play for us then it is more difficult to go and travel with England because then it is more serious than just a day or two.”
Mason Greenwood might have expected to take over from his club mate for the internationals.
But Three Lions boss Southgate left him out and he will be on England Under-21 duty.
The 19-year-old has been frozen out since he and Manchester City’s Phil Foden were sent home from Iceland in September.
They invited girls back to their Reykjavik hotel room, breaking team rules and Covid protocol.
Greenwood has struggled since. He has managed only four goals this season and has not hit the net for 15 games.
Despite that, Solskjaer believes “100 per cent” he is improving.
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He said: “He’s got those scoring instincts and I’m saying to him just make your decision quickly, don’t even think about it, the goals will come.
“His overall game has improved so much. People are too concerned about stats and look just at assists and goals.
“He still has a good chance of making the Euros. He has to play well for us and for England.”
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