Manchester United are hopeful Marcus Rashford will be spared involvement in England’s match against Lithuania on Sunday if World Cup qualification has already been secured.
Victory over Slovenia at Wembley on Thursday will book England’s place at the tournament in Russia next summer, with Rashford expected to line up on the left of an attack-minded selection which could also see Raheem Sterling recalled after recent impressive performances for Manchester City. A win will render the final qualifier in Vilnius meaningless and in that scenario José Mourinho is understood to be keen to see Rashford rested.
The 19-year-old has already played in 13 games for club and country this season, including matches in Macedonia, Malta and Moscow. United face seven games in 22 days when the Premier League resumes.
While Gareth Southgate has consistently stated he will make choices he deems best for the players rather than their clubs, those within the England setup will be conscious of the risk of burnout with the World Cup to come at the end of the season. Should qualification be secured before the match in Vilnius, they may be more open to the idea of resting players like Rashford.
Southgate, who is without Dele Alli owing to suspension, is expected to field a front three of Rashford, Harry Kane and Sterling against Slovenia at Wembley, with the latter recalled having been substituted at half-time in Malta last month and unused in the subsequent win over Slovakia.
Sterling has revived of late with City, scoring four goals and starting their past three matches. Pep Guardiola suggested on Saturday the player had taken the ignominy of his withdrawal against Malta in his stride.
“These kinds of players have to know that, when you win, you should be happy,” said the City manager. “Then if they play badly the next time, there will be a new chance a few days later. Football is marvellous for that. So improve in the good things and bad things and do it again. He’s young, Raz. Like everybody, we try to help him, to try to understand the game, his strong points, to benefit the team. He has to know his job is not easy and it he cannot always expect things to be going well.”