Watch Rashford bounce back
MARCUS RASHFORD should be one of the first names on the England teamsheet that plays Spain in Seville tomorrow. Not because he needs his confidence rebuilding after two missed chances against Croatia — he’s mentally strong enough to cope with any stick that comes his way — but because Gareth Southgate needs his strongest team available. Let’s start with a few facts. Rashford doesn’t turn 21 until the end of this month and already has 27 England caps and five goals. He’s still younger than Harry Kane when the Spurs idol made his international debut. Gary Lineker didn’t play for England until he was 23. Some players may be affected by the criticism that comes with failing to score for England but I’ve seen enough of Rashford to be sure he has the right frame of mind to cope.
He will have replayed his opportunities for an hour or two on Friday night, then maybe got back on the training pitch to do some one-on-one exercises and be ready to move forward. He’s got that maturity and confidence in him, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him bang one in tomorrow.
It’s understandable that England stars are going to be analysed to within an inch of their lives, but any suggestion he can’t cut it at the top is ludicrous. He’s in a situation at Manchester United where, although he gets minutes on the pitch, they aren’t consistent minutes. He’s in, out, on the bench, playing in different positions. Someone who knows they are playing in front of goal every week will build a rhythm to finish chances. He should use Thierry Henry as a role model.
Henry was used wide earlier in his career, was criticised for his lack of composure in finishing, and ended up as Arsenal’s record goalscorer.
Luckily, I don’t think Southgate is a manager who is swayed by outside noise. At the World Cup there was a campaign to oust Raheem Sterling for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, which he ignored. You have to name your best team against Spain and their back four will know they are going to be in for a game against Sterling, Harry Kane and Rashford.
Jordan Sancho is a livewire but it’s asking too much for an 18-year-old to face one of the best teams in the world when he’s never been a regular starter for his club.
As for Rashford, more game time at United would help when he is up against Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku, Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Juan Mata for places.
Let’s not expect miracles — let’s just be glad he’s going to be a big part of England’s future for 10 years.