Forget Barack, Boris & books – my priority is England
RASH FOCUSES ON GLORY
MARCUS RASHFORD insists he is fully focused on helping England conquer Europe.
Rashford has become as famous for his achievements off the pitch as those on it in the last 16 months during the pandemic.
The Manchester United ace has raised more than £20m to help feed hungry children, challenged Prime Minister Boris Johnson (inset) and won, written a best selling book and become friends with former US President Barack Obama.
In the meantime, Rashford has seen his form suffer an alarming dip due to a combination of niggling injuries and tiredness following a demanding campaign.
But despite this, Rashford is adamant football remains his No.1 priority in life – and that nothing will distract him from helping the Three Lions try to win the Euros.
Rashford said: “From when I was kid, I’ve always dreamed of playing football.
“It’s always been on my mind and it’s put me in a position to do what I’ve been doing this last year.
“But nothing changes in terms of football. I’m still hungry and determined to win things and win trophies. As long as that stays, there’s not an issue.
“I’m just looking forward to the tournament and hopefully we can bring the best version of England to that tournament.
‘If we do that, I have confidence in the team, the squad, the manager and the staff that we’re a good team and when we play well, we’re a very good team.”
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate rang Rashford in the wake of United’s Europa League Final defeat to Villarreal to check on his mental and physical state.
But the striker insists there is no hangover from that loss and that the mood in the camp ahead of Sunday’s opening Group D clash with Croatia at Wembley is focused.
He added: “For me, nothing changes. I’m a person who wants to give their all for club and country and I’ll continue to do that. It’s as simple as that.
“Gareth rang me, just doing the things he’d normally do. We had obviously had a disappointing final and he gave me a couple of days to think about things and regroup mentally. When we had the chat, I was more than ready mentally to join the team and get training again.
“When you lose a final, you want to play the next game as quickly as possible. Football’s like that – there’s a lot of ups and a lot of downs.
“I think everyone has a clear mind going into the tournament. “In the past there’s been too many outside influences but now I feel the camp is relaxed but also determined and focused. “We are focused on the first game, then the second game, take it game by game. It’s seven games to do something very special for your country.”