England manager Sam Allardyce has explained that young Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has dropped into the Under-21s in order to alleviate any pressure on his shoulders.
The 18-year-old was included in Roy Hodgson's Euro 2016 squad, just three months after he made his senior debut for the Red Devils.
Allardyce, who succeeded Hodgson last month, has opted not to name the teenager in his 23-man squad for Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Slovakia.
Instead, Rashford drops into Gareth Southgate's England Under-21 setup, which Allardyce believes will benefit the young striker in the long run.
"Having international experience in the Under-21s will be invaluable for us down the line, and I think if he's breaking into Manchester United's team he'll be in my squad," Allardyce told reporters.
"Having a full game with Gareth will be invaluable to us down the line. [Rashford's] only a young man, let's not put too much pressure on him. Hopefully he scores goals for the Under-21s and gives me a decision to make next time."
Rashford scored a 92nd-minute winner for United after coming off the bench against Hull City on Saturday.
Danielle Joynson
