ENGLAND WORLD CUP WATCH

GOOD WEEK IVAN TONEY

WHICH of Ivan Toney’s three goals against Leeds impressed you the most? The supremely calm penalty, his 18th converted out of 18 for Brentford? The stunner of a free-kick that left Illan Meslier standing helpless? Or the sublime chip to cap it all off, keeping his cool as Meslier flew at him before beating more Leeds defenders and supplying the perfect finish. Being Harry Kane’s understudy is not the most glamorous role but Toney has made it clear — when he rejected a call-up from Jamaica — that he wants it. Gareth Southgate should be taking note.

JORDAN PICKFORD

EVERY time it looks as though Jordan Pickford has lost his grip on the No 1 jersey, he wrestles it back. Nine saves in an inspired performance in the Merseyside derby showed exactly why Southgate trusts him implicitly, and until the Everton man lets England down, Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale can forget about taking his starting spot.

MARCUS RASHFORD

IT’S been an awful long time since we

saw the best of Marcus Rashford but Erik ten Hag has got him firing again. The

forward, still only 24, produced an excellent assist for Antony’s opener at Old Trafford, taking his time to draw in Oleksandr Zinchenko before releasing the Brazilian debutant to fire United ahead. And in the second half his clinical finishing was the difference to end Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the season.

BAD WEEK LUKE SHAW

CONVERSELY at United, when was the last time you saw or heard of Luke Shaw? Perhaps it’s a coincidence but the answer is Brentford 4 United 0, three weeks ago. Since Shaw was hauled off at half-time in west London, United have played four, won four, and Shaw’s deputy Tyrell Malacia has hardly put a foot wrong. England are not blessed with left backs, but Ben Chilwell found the net for Chelsea on Saturday and Ryan Sessegnon has been in excellent early-season form for Tottenham.

PATRICK BAMFORD

MISSING an open goal is bad enough, but what Bamford did with Leeds 3-1 down after his potential England rival had scored a hat-trick for the opposition was particularly painful. Injuries have played their part but Bamford has still not scored in 2022 and, with Toney and Tammy Abraham in such good form, his shot at a Qatar call-up is looking increasingly unlikely.

CONOR GALLAGHER

THOMAS TUCHEL’S touchline antics have been must-watch all season — but not if you’re Conor Gallagher. Footage went viral on social media of the German showing his frustration with his young midfielder, becoming so upset at how slow Gallagher was to pass the ball that he jumped in the air and did a full pirouette. Following last week’s red card, Gallagher’s star showings on loan at Palace last year already seem a very long time ago.