United striker is thriving away from Jose’s ruthless regime

MARCUS RASHFORD was unrecognisable from the player who started the FA Cup final last month. I do not want to be overly critical of Jose Mourinho but I imagine the environment is far better under Gareth Southgate than at Manchester United. Southgate cannot afford to be so cut-throat and ruthless, and Rashford is clearly benefiting. This season, I have accused Rashford of trying too hard to impress Mourinho. He seems to do everything at a million miles an hour. Last night, he just did what was required. He chose the right moments to show his brilliance and skill. This was a performance full of confidence and imagination. His goal was so special that the England staff were applauding in awe from the sidelines. England looked set to start in Russia with Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling up front but now Gareth has a big decision to make. It will be in the back of his mind that, while he has seen Rashford score the winner against Slovakia in qualifying and now this sublime strike, Sterling has not found the net for England since 2015. This was a timely reminder of what a weapon we have in Rashford. Score a goal like that against Tunisia and we will all be up and running around our sofas.