RISE FROM THE RASHES
WALES v ENGLAND, TOMORROW 7pm Marcus eyes redemption after pen hell
MARCUS RASHFORD admits he is desperate for England redemption in Qatar.
The Manchester United star became a scapegoat when he missed his spotkick in the shoot-out defeat to Italy in the Euros final 16 months ago.
He was the target of racist abuse along with Three Lions colleagues Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho, who also missed from the spot.
He has not started a single game for England since that fateful evening at
Wembley, due to injuries and a loss of form.
But Rashford, who scored with just his third touch as a substitute in the 6-2 thrashing of Iran in England’s World Cup opener, insists he wants to step up to the plate and put himself in the firing line again.
Rashford said: “You never want to miss a penalty. I feel like it’s a great opportunity for forwards, especially, to score goals.
“Obviously they are big moments and as an individual I’ve always been comfortable and I enjoy being in big moments.
“So you know, for me, I’m hoping that I get to take another penalty in the tournament.”
Rashford also told boss Gareth Southgate he is fit and good to go should the England boss decide to rest Harry Kane in tomorrow’s final Group B encounter against Wales.
He added: “I’m raring to go. I feel like everyone, me included, is ready to do their bit when they come on.”
Meanwhile, captain Kane says
England can handle the backlash from the dismal draw against USA.
He said: “We know what it takes to get to a major final.
“And hopefully it will be more of the same if we stay focused.”
Take strain off Kane: P46-7