RASHFORD SHINES
United striker in great form as England cruise past Costa Rica
ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate admitted Marcus Rashford had given him a difficult decision to make ahead of the World Cup with a stunning strike in a 2-0 friendly victory over Costa Rica on Thursday.
In England’s last match before their tournament opener against Tunisia in 11 days time, Manchester United’s Rashford was the star of a much-changed side in Leeds.
Danny Welbeck was also on target as England extended their unbeaten run to 10 games, stretching back nearly a year.
“What pleased me most is that Marcus Rashford enjoyed his football tonight. He played with a real swagger,” said Southgate.
Rashford made the most of the absence of England captain Harry Kane as he started up front alongside Jamie Vardy, and showed what he is capable of with a fiercely struck shot from 25 yards that dipped perfectly into the top corner.
“You work on them (goals) in training every day and when one comes up in a game it’s a reward,” Rashford told ITV.
However, Southgate insisted the 20-year-old needs to express himself and feel the freedom to make mistakes.
“He had a difficult end to the season having to play on his own as a number nine at times. He is still filling out — we sometimes forget how old he is,” added Southgate.
“For me, at the end of the season, he cares so much you can see he was trying too hard.
“I said to all the team before the game, I expect to see mistakes tonight and, if I don’t, there might be a problem because we wouldn’t be being as attackminded as we want to be.
“They are going to make errors, but they might also show the glimpses like Marcus’s goal. The goal was world-class.”
Southgate made 10 changes from the side that beat Nigeria 21 on Saturday with 19-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool handed his international debut at right-back.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas was completely caught out as Rashford unleashed a powerful drive from 25 yards for his third international goal.
However, there was a gulf in class even between Southgate’s largely second string line-up and the Central Americans as England dominated.
Costa Rica face tournament favourites Brazil as well as Serbia and Switzerland in Group E, and will need to show far more ambition once they get to Russia if they are to replicate their heroics of four years ago.
Southgate held off making any changes until the hour mark and England’s rhythm was then stunted by five quickfire substitutions, including a debut for Burnley’s Nick Pope in goal.
However, Welbeck also justified his inclusion in Southgate’s squad by coming off the bench to seal the win 14 minutes from time as he headed home Dele Alli’s cross.