Smalling is expecting Rashford to run riot
CHRIS SMALLING has backed Marcus Rashford to shatter Scotland’s defence and prove himself as one of the best strikers in the world. The Manchester United centre-back has watched Rashford’s exceptional emergence at close quarters and feels the 19-year-old has the potential to become an England great. Scotland could be tested by his pace and power on Saturday evening as Gareth Southgate weighs up handing the Old Trafford youngster a ninth cap. Rashford made a goalscoring debut for England against Australia last year and has been retained in the senior set-up instead of playing in this summer’s Under-21 European Championship. Smalling has no doubt his United team-mate can continue to make an impact at senior level as he lauded his talent ahead of the Hampden visit. ‘I think the world is his oyster,’ insisted Smalling. ‘Marcus could really be one of the best. ‘You forget how old he is and
how few games he’s played. As a player, he has everything. He is strong, he is quick and his temperament is fantastic. ‘He can do skills and he is a kid who just wants to play football, whether he is in the changing room, or in his room kicking balls around and knocking things over. He’s a talent. ‘He is someone who seems unfazed by anything. He’s led our line in big games and full credit to him.’ Rashford managed 11 goals for Manchester United last season despite a limited number of starts under Jose Mourinho. And Smalling feels he has the right mentality to match his ability. ‘With some young players, you see them change,’ said the 27-year-old defender, who is aiming for a 31st cap in the weekend World Cup qualifier against Gordon Strachan’s men. ‘But not with Marcus. That’s 100 per cent who he is. ‘Does he compare with anyone? I think he’s hard to compare at the minute. He could be out on his own. And he’s still very young.’ Rashford is looking forward to the Hampden encounter and expects Gordon Strachan’s side to offer a genuine test to an England side who top Group F. ‘Scotland are a good team and they have a lot of good qualities that we have to respect,’ he said. ‘Going up there, we have to think about what they can bring to the table. But we have to go into the game confident that we’re going to go there and win. No matter who the opponent is, that’s the attitude we have to have.’ Rashford, a virtual unknown 18 months ago before shooting to fame with United and then becoming a fixture in the England set-up, expects a hot reception from the Tartan Army on Saturday. But, true to form, he remained relatively unfazed and actually welcomed the prospect. ‘I think the atmosphere might be one of the toughest that I’ll have faced,’ he said. ‘But I hope that’s the case as it’s another experience to tick off the list.’ Meanwhile, Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has withdrawn from the England squad after picking up a minor thigh injury in training at St George’s Park. The 30-year-old, who returned to Leicester to be assessed by club medics, will also be unavailable for the friendly against France in Paris on Tuesday night. Manager Southgate has decided not to call up a replacement for the clash with Scotland and will stick with the squad he has.