Eriksson: Roy should ‘gamble’ on Rashford at Euros

Ian Watson

Roy Hodgson has been urged to take Marcus Rashford to the European Championship as a “wildcard” in his England squad. 

Former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson believes the teenage Manchester United striker offers “something unexpected” and wants Hodgson to follow his example.

Eriksson made a surprise selection in his squad for the 2006 World Cup when Theo Walcott was selected in the England party despite never having played a Premier League match.

The 17-year-old remained on the bench as England were knocked out at the quarter-final stage.

Sven Goran Ericsson Theo Walcott England 2006

Eriksson told The Sun: “You should always take a gamble with a special player. As the England manager, you want options – players who can do something unexpected and make a difference.

“In my case, my special player was Walcott. He was – and still is – a great talent.

“His pace was unbelievable. He was one of the quickest players I have ever seen.

“Rashford can be Roy’s gamble. There is room in the squad for a wildcard player like that.

“The other countries won’t know much about Rashford and will not have faced him.

“He is unknown and unpredictable. The young man has done very well for Manchester United.