Southgate: mature Rashford is utterly fearless

GARETH SOUTHGATE lauded Marcus Rashford’s heroic display last night after the youngster fired England to within touching distance of World Cup qualification. Having made a huge error to gift Slovakia an early lead, the youngster held his nerve to make one and score another. ‘It didn’t surprise me,’ said Southgate. ‘Having worked with him, he’s such a mature character. The start surprised me. But it felt like the switch of wings (from right to left) was important as well. ‘It allowed him a slightly different defensive role and he adapted very well to that. His maturity is excellent. ‘You look at him and he’s never in awe of the occasion. He doesn’t have any fear. I don’t think the team did, either, and they responded well. He’s still a work in progress as we saw at the beginning of the game, but he’s getting stronger. ‘His impact, in taking people on and getting us up the pitch on the counter-attack, was huge.’ On his side’s win, Southgate added: ‘It’s a big week for them, to go through the experience in Malta on Friday, the spotlight of life as an England player over the last couple of days, and then to go behind here. ‘The crowd could have turned but they were actually fantastic. We had to show resilience, a good tactical reaction on the pitch. And for a starting line-up who are still incredibly young, they are good experiences because they build belief. ‘I’m really pleased. In the second half we controlled the game really well. I am very proud of what the players have done. They showed real maturity.’