Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
We’ll make a
Welbeck says having Rashford to call on shows England are blessed with talent
DANNY WELBECK believes Marcus Rashford is proof of England’s strength in depth, which could surprise the nation at the World Cup.
Rashford, 20, was one of 10 changes against Costa Rica on Thursday from the side that beat Nigeria last weekend.
Gareth Southgate was impressed by his virtuoso display – capped by a wonder goal – and the exciting performances from his incoming team-mates.
The England boss admitted he had been left with a selection headache for the first game in Russia against Tunisia on Monday, June 18.
The country is now split over whether Rashford or Raheem Sterling should play behind Harry Kane.
Welbeck, who came off the bench to head the second goal in the 2-0 win, said: “There is a lot of talent all over the squad and healthy competition for everybody. It gives the manager a good selection headache and Marcus’s goal was incredible. He has definitely staked a claim.
“Marcus has the qualities to have an impact on every single game. There are a lot players in there who can make an impact in any given moment.
“I think a lot of the players are really looking forward to going and seeing what affect they can have.”
The Arsenal striker, 27, signed from Manchester United four years ago, was a first-team player at Old Trafford when Rashford was in the youth team.
Welbeck said: “Obviously, he was a quite a few years younger than me, but his older brother knows my older brother, so I knew about Marcus for a very long time.
“He has been free to play. The manager told him to go out there and be free – express yourself. The structure we have got as a team means we all know what we have got to do.
“So, when you are in a certain position, you know you have got lots of choices. He is only 20 and has got a lot of that youthful enthusiasm. Against Costa Rica, he was buzzing all over the pitch. But he is so mature around the place as well, at times.
“He knows when to curb his enthusiasm.
“I have enjoyed training with Marcus and, from playing against him in the Premier League, I know the qualities he possesses and against Costa Rica he was brilliant.”