Chris Sutton rages at ‘terrible’ Marcus Rashford decision away from Aston Villa
Marcus Rashford has been in fine form for Aston Villa in recent games but that is not enough to convince Chris Sutton.
After falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, Rashford was given a new lease of life by Unai Emery at Aston Villa in the form of a loan transfer in February.
The 27-year-old has grabbed the opportunity with both hands, providing four assists in nine appearances across all competitions for the Birmingham-based club.
He has also struck a partnership with fellow winter arrival Marco Asensio, who has benefited from each of his four assists so far.
Sutton hits out at Thomas Tuchel for including Rashford in England squad
Rashford’s performances for Aston Villa since February have now earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s first squad as the England manager.
However, the decision has not gone down well among many fans and pundits, with Sutton hitting out at the German for his squad selection.
Sutton acknowledged that Rashford has been impressive for Villa, but suggested that Nottingham Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi was more deserving of a spot in the 26-man squad.
| Player | Matches | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
| Rashford | 5 | 1 | 201′ | – | 2 | – |
| Hudson-Odoi | 4 | 3 | 289′ | 2 | – | 1 |
Therefore, the pundit is of the view that Thomas has sent a “terrible” message by favouring Rashford over Hudson-Odoi.
“What message does that send to Callum Hudson-Odoi, though, who has been consistent all season?”, Sutton said on BBC One’s Football Focus (15 March, 11:27 am).
“Rashford, okay, has a few weeks he has played well, but I think it’s a terrible message to send.”
It’s time to reveal Thomas Tuchel’s first #ThreeLions squad! 👀🏴
— England (@England) March 14, 2025
Aston Villa to reap rewards of Rashford’s England call-up
Teams are usually left worried when their players are called up to national teams during this time of the season.
However, Aston Villa are likely to reap the rewards of Tuchel drafting Rashford to his first squad as the England manager.
It is no secret that the 27-year-old was left low on confidence after falling out of favour at Manchester United earlier this season.
Returning to the national team setup is certain to help the forward get some of that confidence back and that will signal good news for Aston Villa when he returns later this month.