The international break has started and that means yet another interruption for club football. Still, fans will be looking forward to some of these games as it gives them a chance to see their favorite players in action for their national sides.
England have already qualified for the upcoming World Cup, so the Three Lions won't be involved in competitive action just yet. That being said, in order to find his strongest 23-man squad for the big tournament set to be played near the end of this year, Gareth Southgate nonetheless will be overseeing the team as they take part in a series of friendlies.
However, there are two names that haven't made the cut for England's upcoming games against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast.
The duo are none other than Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho. Although both were heavily involved in the squad as England made a run to the EURO 2020 final last year, the Manchester United-based attackers have been skipped over for selection this time around.
Sancho and, in particular, Rashford's dip in form probably is the deciding factor that influenced Southgate's decision, but it's interesting to note that Harry Maguire, who's not had the most stellar season, was included, alongside fellow defender Luke Shaw.
Certainly, with the World Cup looming closer, Rashford especially will look to step up his game and look to stay healthy; so far he's made 26 appearances across all comps but has only scored five goals. That's a stark contrast to the prior season, which saw him make 57 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 21 times in the process.
England's first friendly will be on the 26th, when they host Switzerland, followed by another tie against the Ivory Coast three days later.
