Marcus Rashford's Man United manager Erik ten Hag says he DESERVED to miss out on England's Euros squad because he was 'lacking' this season

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Erik ten Hag has revealed he was not surprised to see Marcus Rashford left out of England's 26-man squad for Euro 2024.

After enjoying his most prolific campaign to date in the Dutchman's first season in charge at Old Trafford, Rashford struggled to maintain his form last season.

Despite his inconsistent performances, Rashford's omission from Gareth Southgate's provisional squad ahead of Euro 2024, came as a surprise to many, particularly as the England boss has often been criticised for playing favourites with his stalwarts.

Southgate made yet more bold decisions as he whittled down his squad to 26 earlier this month, with the likes of Jack Grealish and James Maddison missing out on the basis of their club form.

'Grealish and Rashford were both lacking this season.' Ten Hag said on Dutch TV channel NOS.

Erik ten Hag said he was not surprised to see Marcus Rashford miss out on England's squad

The 26-year-old endured a difficult season at Old Trafford, and made headlines in January after missing training following a 12-hour drinking session in Belfast

Rashford had been in the Northern Irish capital to visit Larne FC before embarking on his now-infamous night out

Rashford was left out of United's FA Cup win over Newport before returning to the starting XI for a clash with Wolves days after the incident

'And when you are lacking, you risk not getting picked for your country.'

The nadir of Rashford's season came in January when he missed training before an FA Cup tie against Newport County.

Rashford had arrived in the Northern Irish capital on a private jet from Manchester, before checking into the five-star Fitzwilliam Hotel and heading out to the Dirty Onion pub and Lavery's bar, it's claimed.

The next day, after visiting Larne FC - who his friend Ro-Shaun Williams had just signed for - the 26-year-old went to an Italian restaurant where it's claimed he didn't touch his food but instead focused on shots of tequila and cocktails.

A source close to Rashford told The Sun at the time he left the club at 1.15am.

However, Sarah Aadir, a waitress who he had invited out with the group, said they stayed out until close to 2am before his security decided to take him back to his hotel.

After she had agreed to join him, Rashford asked Adair whether she knew any nightclubs that would remain open beyond 3am if he paid them enough money.

'That made it clear to me that he had already made his mind up that he wasn't going to training on Friday. He had no plans to go home that night,' she said.

When they got returned to the Fitzwilliam Hotel, where Rashford was staying in the £1,500-a-night residence suite, Adair claimed she had to put him to bed.

Adair told The Sun: 'He was so drunk at this point.

'Then he falls back into the wall and I have to kind of scoop him up and onto the bed.

'He was fully dressed and I reckon he just passed out like that. He didn't even get under the covers.'

She awoke at 9.30am on Friday to find out Rashford had left four-and-a-half hours earlier.

He landed back in Manchester at 8am, but did not train that day after phoning in sick. 

A source close to Rashford told the Sun that he had less than £1,000 in cash on him, adding: 'Marcus accepts his standards have fallen well short of what is expected.' 

Ten Hag stuck by the 26-year-old after the incident, leaving him out against Newport before returning him to the starting lineup against Wolves just days later.

Despite the show of faith Rashford continued to falter in front of goal, netting just four league goals after the turn of the year as United slumped to their worst-ever Premier League finish.

The Man United boss insisted he understood Gareth Southgate's decision not to include his player

Ten Hag also named Jack Grealish while discussing players who missed out, noting the importance of club form in the selection process

Ten Hag also tipped England to go all the way in Germany, noting the strength in attacking talent available to Southgate.

'England has a fantastic squad, they are favorites for a reason. They have the best midfield of all countries in the Euros. 

'They've got Harry Kane as their striker. On the wings they have incredible amount of quality.'