Mourinho wants Rashford to be rested (Picture: EPA)

Jose Mourinho is set to clash with England boss Gareth Southgate over the involvement of Marcus Rashford in the latest round of international fixtures.

The Manchester United boss is desperate that the 19-year-old returns to Old Trafford unscathed and has begged Southgate to not use Rashford in both matches.

England face Slovenia at Wembley on Thursday night – with a win securing their spot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Will Rashford play in both matches? (Picture: Reuters)
Southgate will not be bullied by Mourinho (Picture: Reuters)

That fixture is followed by a trip to Lithuania for their final qualifying game on Sunday.

With the second match potentially irrelevant, Mourinho is keen for Rashford to be left out in order for him to be fully fit for their trip to Anfield, according to the Daily Star.

United take on Liverpool immediately after the international break and should anything happen to Rashford in the meantime, Mourinho will no doubt be furious with Southgate.

The England boss previously insisted he hadn’t been bullied into leaving Rashford out of England’s Under-21 squad for the European Championship in Poland by Mourinho, with the Portuguese keen to have the youngster available for pre-season.

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