Welbeck tips Rashford to add sparkle

DANNY WELBECK knew of Marcus Rashford long before leaving Manchester United and he expects the striker’s youthful exuberance to be a huge asset in Russia. Rashford was busy making waves in United’s academy by the time Welbeck departed Old Trafford for Arsenal in 2014. The pair have strong links to youth club Fletcher Moss Rangers and Welbeck was tipped off about Rashford’s burgeoning talent by his brother Chris. That ability was showcased at Elland Road on Thursday night as the 20-year-old thumped home England’s opener against Costa Rica. Welbeck reckons Rashford has the temperament to cope with the World Cup, saying: ‘He was a quite a few years younger than me, but I knew about Marcus for a very long time. He has a lot of that youthful enthusiasm, but he is so mature around the place at times. He has been free to play. The manager tells him — go out there and express yourself. Marcus has the qualities to have an impact on every game.’