Rashford does belong at this level, insists Harry
MAGUIRE SAYS CLUBMATE HAS REDISCOVERED FORM AFTER ROUGH YEAR
HARRY Maguire believes Marcus Rashford proved he belongs on the global stage with his brace in England’s World Cup win over Wales.
The Manchester United striker, making his first start for the Three Lions since June last year, scored a fine freekick to break the deadlock on Tuesday night before rounding off the 3-0 victory after Phil Foden had doubled the lead.
Rashford has endured a mixed 18 months since missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final shoot-out loss to Italy and being targeted by racist abuse in the aftermath.
The 25-year-old underwent shoulder surgery after the tournament and subsequently struggled for club form, scoring just five goals all season and losing his place in Southgate’s squad.
He did not kick a ball for England following the Euro final until he scored just 25 seconds after coming off the bench in the team’s opening World Cup win over Iran, having earned a recall following a strong start to the campaign.
His man-of-the-match performance against Wales, where he came closest to opening the scoring in a quiet first half before arrowing in a free-kick and finishing through Danny Ward’s legs to go level with the frontrunners in the race for the golden boot, was praised by United skipper Maguire. “I am really pleased for Marcus. He showed he belongs on this stage,” the England defender said.
“For the last year or so he has been in and out of the England team. I think he has really found his form again for Manchester United and he is a massive player for our club.
“Throughout a long career, you will always have ups and downs and it is all about how you bounce back when you are out of form.
“He has kept working hard and done that tirelessly. I can’t speak highly enough of Marcus. He is a wonderful man and a great player.”
As his club captain and England team-mate, Maguire revealed he has supported Rashford over his hard times, which continued when close friend Garfield Hayward died just days before the Wales game.
Rashford paid tribute with his goal celebration, with Maguire full of praise for how the forward has been performing of late. “I speak to him a lot and I try to give him as much belief as I can,” he said. “But listen, Marcus is a fantastic player who has had a great career up until now. This last year has been difficult for him, but all good players rise to the top again.
“If he keeps his head down and keeps working hard – first and foremost for his club – then he will get opportunities for his country.
“He showed he belongs on this stage. When he gets that opportunity he is a threat to anyone.”