Lager’s keeping his head
NEIL NAISMITH ENGLAND’S nemesis Lars Lagerback never expected to be considered for the Three Lions job last year.
Instead, he takes charge of Norway for the first time tonight, against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park.
Lagerback’s Iceland ended England’s run at Euro 2016, to take his unbeaten record against them to seven.
Some felt the FA could do worse than interview the former Sweden coach (below) after Roy Hodgson departed.
But Lagerback, 68, who took charge of Norway last month, said: “You have to be realistic.
“I don’t think coaches from smaller countries have that status.”
The striker, 19, burst on to the scene last season for club and country in the way Rooney did 13 years ago.
Now 31, Rooney is not in the England squad for today’s World Cup qualifier at Wembley against Lithuania due to a knee injury.
But his career with both club and country is in doubt.
Rashford, however, said: “Having him just there with his presence around the squad is a massive influence.
“And that’s not just for the young players but ALL the players.
“Having the likes of Wayne and Gaz Cahill, that type of player who have been around the block and won so many trophies, is massive for the squad.
“They give you a real sense of excitement, knowing that they have won so much.
“It makes you want to do the same and repeat what they have done.”
And an inspired Rashford added: “All my focus is just on trying to improve for the future and to make history for my club and the country.
“I am quite hard on myself but people around me are always pushing me.
“I think it is needed if you want to be the best.
“It’s a massive influence having Zlatan Ibrahimovic at United and that type of player around the building.
“Being at a club like Manchester United and playing for England, there are always going to be top players around you and it is important to learn from them.
“And they want to help you too. It is good to have them in the squad. Everyone comes on to the scene in a