England coach Gareth Southgate has defended Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford jetting off to New York after pulling out of the England squad

Three Lions boss Southgate was surprised to see Rashford posting pictures on a mini-break following his withdrawal from the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine with a toe problem.

But diplomatic Southgate said: “Once he's ruled out of the squad, it's entirely up to him how he spends his time.

“The players don't get a lot of breaks. They will be flying off wherever after Sunday's game.

“If they get 48 hours, with the schedule as it is, they have to take advantage of it."