Gareth Southgate backs Marcus Rashford to bounce back from his demotion to England Under-21s

GARETH SOUTHGATE is  certain Marcus Rashford will respond positively to his demotion to the England Under-21s.

New Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce has told  Manchester United’s starlet he will not be in the squad for next week’s World Cup qualifier in Slovakia — his first game in charge.

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That has freed up Southgate to pick him for the U21s’ Euro 2017 qualifier against Norway at Colchester on September 6.

But Southgate insisted Rashford should use the experience of dropping back to kick on, just as other Premier League kids have done.

He said: “Marcus is a young player and still developing so this is a big part of his international education.

“We’ve had it in the past with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, John Stones and Calum Chambers joining us after being with the seniors. Marcus has a good mentality, he’ll respond the right way.”

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Rashford, 18,  gatecrashed England’s Euro squad after eight goals in 18 games for United last season.

But he is struggling to get a look-in under Jose Mourinho.

Southgate added: “Last season, his pathway was remarkable and we’re very conscious of plotting how we develop our young players.

“Sam is keen people are playing regularly, so  it’s a good opportunity in his international development for him to be with the Under-21s.”