UNITED SPECIAL Marcus is training ground marksman

MARCUS Rashford’s thunderbolt against Costa Rica did not come as a surprise to his England team-mates because he does it in training every day, according to Fabian Delph.

The 20-year-old was named man of the match in the Three Lions’ 2-0 win at Elland Road on Thursday night after an electric display up front in England’s final friendly game before they travel out to Russia for the World Cup.

Rashford produced the moment of the match before the quarter hour mark with a stunning 25-yard strike past Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas. And Delph was not surprised by his team-mate’s performance - or his strike.

“You could see how calm he was after the goal - it was another day in the office for him,” he told ITV Sport postmatch. “He does that daily. For him, it wasn’t a surprise. Obviously for someone like me and the lads looking behind him it was a great finish.

“He’s a phenomenal talent. I can see him in the next couple of years being one of the best players in the world.”

Following a frustrating few months at United, it was a welcome statement from Rashford as he looks to light up his second senior international tournament. Revelling in the freedom boss Gareth Southgate afforded him in the No.10 role, Rashford has now put himself in contention for a starting berth against Tunisia on June 18.

So does playing at No.10 give him more freedom? “Maybe a little bit but I still need to get into the box a bit more to try and finish off some chances from crossing areas so there’s always something to learn from each game,” he told ITV Sport after the game. “WOW. What a goal!” England assistant manager Steve Holland’s reaction said it all after Marcus Rashford let fly with a 25-yard thunderbolt into the top corner. Lip readers might never have had an easier assignment.

The United forward has scored some special goals for club and country, but his man of the match display against Costa Rica was a timely reminder of what a special talent the 20-year-old is. And Rashford has made a habit of doing that.

Making his first league start in nearly three months, back in March, he fired United to a 2-0 lead inside 24 breathless minutes.

After a frustrating couple of months at club level, Rashford has now put himself in the frame for a starting berth for England’s World Cup opener following his brilliant display at Elland