Rashford says World Cup was start of journey that will end in English glory
MARCUS RASHFORD almost casually drops it into conversation... the grand ambition of an essentially humble group of England players.
“If we want to get to our aim of being the No.1 team in the world, we have to beat the best teams.”
The No.1 team in the world. It is an idea that, for generations, would have been ridiculed, not just around the footballing globe but on these shores.
But when Rashford says it matter-of-factly, it does not jar.
“There are signs we are heading in the right direction,” he says. “Before the World Cup we were winning games and playing good football but when it came to games against the big teams – the elite nations we want to be amongst – we fell short a couple of times.
“But in this last year we have played Spain and Croatia and managed to get over the line. It shows we are improving.
“The World Cup was the start of a journey rather than the end of an adventure because since then we have kicked on. We’ve changed the system but have kicked on.”
They have certainly kicked on since the post-Russia blip of a 2-1 home defeat by Spain last September, winning four and drawing so one of their last five matches, scoring 15 and conceding five.
That form has taken them to the Nations League finals and Rashford made it clear victory in this competition is a fundamental part of their quest to get to the top of the rankings.
He explains: “We are approaching this Nations League as though it is a major tournament, 100 per cent. We want our names to be first in the history books.
“Who knows? In the future it could grow into a big, big tournament.”
England supporters are certainly treating it as a big, big tournament, with thousands expected to descend on Guimaraes, where England face Holland in a semi-final tomorrow.
“It’s beautiful to see,” smiles Rashford, “Ahead of the 4 ................................ England 7 ............................... Portugal 8 ......................... Switzerland 16 ............................... Holland
Sep 8 England 1 Spain 2 Oct 12 Croatia 0 England 0 Oct 15 Spain 2 England 3 Nov 18 England 2 Croatia 1 P4 W2 D1 L1 F6 A5 Sep 9 France 2 Holland 1 Oct 13 Holland 3 Germany 0 Nov 16 Holland 2 France 0 Nov 19 Germany 2 Holland 2 P4 W2 D1 L1 F8 A4 ■ World Cup, we knew the history, or the recent history, was not great and we wanted to change perceptions. I think we re-established a connection with fans that had been lost. And while we fell short in the tournament in the end, we took giant steps from where we were a couple of years ago.”
And 21-year-old Rashford, whose next cap will be his 32nd, believes supporters of both club and country will see an improvement in his game over the coming year. He says: “You can get the numbers when you are 18 years of age but miss out on a ton of other things you need to develop. For me, it was always about becoming a complete player – the player that can be effective in any of the attacking positions. That is a decision I made and my family made when I was younger. I didn’t want to be this traditional No.9. The modernday forward can play everywhere. That’s why, for now, I don’t put too much pressure on goals. Next season is different because I have done three years of that now. The goals have not been ridiculous in number but they have been alright and, once you get through that period, you can kick on.” For now, though, Rashford is focused on overcoming a resurgent Dutch team and heading to a final in Porto on Sunday. He says: “Holland will be tough but we are determined. Back at the Euros in 2016, I don’t think our fans believed we could win something. It is different now. It’s been a long time since we won something so it would be really nice.”
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