RESURGENT RASHFORD ROARS FOR ENGLAND
Forward putting last season’s struggles behind him to star for Three Lions in Qatar
Marcus Rashford dropped to his knees and pointed up to the sky.
The England forward had just scored against Wales at the World Cup, starting off a 3-0 victory that sent his team into the last 16.
His celebration, he said, was in tribute to a friend who recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. It could have also been in celebration of his recent resurgence and working his way into the starting lineup in Qatar.
“Moments like this, this is what I play football for. The biggest moments, the best moments,” said Rashford, who started his first game of the tournament. “I’m happy we are going through to the next round of the tournament because I have massive ambitions for this team and I think we can play even better than we did today.”
Rashford scored two goals at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, making him the co-leading scorer at the World Cup with three goals — tied with France’s Kylian Mbappe, the Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo and Ecuador’s Enner Valencia ahead of Wednesday’s games.
Phil Foden, another England player who impressed in his first start in Qatar on Tuesday, got the other goal in a move which began when Rashford dispossessed Welsh defender Ben Davies.
Rashford played at the last World Cup in 2018 and also at the 2020 European Championship, but the 25-year-old Manchester United forward was considered to be fortunate to make England coach Gareth Southgate’s squad for this year’s tournament.
Ever since his miss in the penalty shootout loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, Rashford has been going through a turbulent period in his career, compounded by injuries. He and teammate Bukayo Saka were the targets of racial abuse on social media after missing their penalties in the shootout at Wembley Stadium.
“It has been a challenge for him,” said Southgate, who also led the team to the World Cup semifinals four years ago in Russia. “I went and saw him in the summer, had a big chat with him and he had some clear ideas on things he felt he needed to think about.
“You can see with his club there has been happiness in his performances and that has shown itself on the training ground. We have a different version (of him) completely to the Euros. That’s great for him and for us.”
Rashford was a shadow of his former self last season for Manchester United, making just 13 Premier League starts and scoring just four times in the top flight. However, this term under new manager Erik ten Hag, Rashford is playing with a smile on his face again, and entered the World Cup as United’s top scorer with eight goals.
United they stand
Rashford’s United and England teammate Harry Maguire says the eye-catching performance against Wales proves the forward belongs on the World Cup stage.
“I’m really pleased for Marcus,” said Maguire.
“Over the last year or so obviously he’s been out of the England team and England setup. I think he’s really found his form again this season for Manchester United. He’s a massive player for our club.
“Throughout a long career you’re always going to have ups and you’re always going to have downs and it’s all about how you bounce back from when you’re out of form and keep working hard and he’s done that tirelessly,” said Maguire.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Marcus. He’s a wonderful man and he’s a great player. I think tonight again he’s shown that he belongs on this stage.”
Maguire, who is struggling to command a first-team spot at Old Trafford, said he had tried to help Rashford rebuild his confidence.
“I speak to Marcus a lot,” said the United club captain. “I try to give him as much belief as I can. Marcus is a fantastic player who has had a great career up until now.
“I think the last year or so has been difficult for him. All good players rise to the top again and I think if he keeps his head down, he keeps working hard, first and foremost for his club, he’ll get opportunities for his country.
“When he gets that opportunity, with the confidence that he has, he’s a threat to anyone.”
Luke Shaw, who is also a teammate of Rashford’s at United, praised his man-of-the-match display against Wales.
“The talent he’s got, he can be unplayable and I think tonight he showed that,” said the leftback.
“He needs to deliver that every single game he plays because he’s got the quality that can make the difference. He’s an unbelievable player. He took his chance tonight. It was his time to start.”
In Qatar, Southgate opted to leave Rashford and Foden on the bench against Iran and the United States, starting with Saka and Raheem Sterling up front alongside captain Harry Kane.
Rashford came on as a substitute in the 6-2 victory over Iran and scored once. Manchester City livewire Foden played 19 minutes in that match.
Against the US, England was held to a 0-0 draw with Rashford again coming off the bench.
The lineup changed for the Wales game, and both Rashford and Foden took advantage of their time on the field.
Rashford gave England the lead with a 50th-minute freekick, and followed it with the tribute to his late friend. Foden added the second only one minute later, and Rashford made it 3-0 in the 68th.
The win secured England top spot in the group. The Three Lions will next face Senegal in the last 16 on Sunday.
Wales finished last in the group and was eliminated.
You can see with his club there has been happiness in his performances and that has shown itself on the training ground. We have a different version (of him) completely to the Euros. That’s great for him and for us.”
Bale to ‘keep going’
It may have been captain Gareth Bale’s last match for Wales, but he was adamant he intends to continue his international career.
The former Real Madrid star was withdrawn at halftime because of a hamstring injury, and told the BBC after the game: “I’ll keep going as long as I can and as long as I’m wanted. It’s a difficult moment now, but we go again.”
Wales manager Rob Page suggested Bale was still in his plans.
“He wants what’s best for the team. He understands that and he knew if he had gone back out he would have probably played at about 70 percent,” Page said. “When you are playing against a team like that you can’t carry anyone.
“I don’t think it will be the last time we see him in a Welsh jersey. There are games starting again in March in the Euros (qualifying) and we want to get off to a flying start. We will see him in a jersey.”
Gareth Southgate, England manager on Marcus Rashford