RASH: IT’LL BE TOUGH
MANCHESTER UNITED FORWARD WARY OF SCOTLAND AHEAD OF WORLD CUP SHOWDOWN
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford is wary of the threat Scotland may pose in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park.
Victory in Glasgow would put England on the brink of qualification for next year’s finals in Russia.
Gareth Southgate’s men are four points clear in Group F, and beat their oldest rivals 3-0 earlier in the campaign.
Yet eight-times capped Rashford is taking nothing for granted.
“Scotland are a good team, they have a lot of good qualities we have to respect,” said the 19-year-old forward.
“We have to think about what they can bring to the table. We have to go into the game confident we’re going to win. No matter who the opponent is that’s the attitude we have to have.
“It’s another experience, possibly one of the toughest I’ve faced. It’s another experience I can tick off the list and keep on moving forward.”
Rashford is relishing working alongside his England strike rivals in training, and is prepared to bide his time for a start.
“Of course it’s difficult, but it always is,” said Rashford. “If it’s not difficult there’s a problem because it means there’s not enough top players about. But there are top players and there’s good competition. You’re always improving when you come away with England. It’s massive watching these forwards – the likes of Harry (Kane), Jermain (Defoe) and (Jamie) Vardy. They are top-quality forwards and just being in and around them is massive for my development.”
Boss Southgate opted to call Rashford up for the Scotland tie, and Tuesday’s friendly against France, rather than allow the teenager to join Aidy Boothroyd’s Under-21 squad for Euro 2017.
But the striker, who scored 11 goals in 53 games for United last season, is happy with the decision.
Rashford said: “He’s (Southgate) had to think about what’s best for England and for me as a player. I’m happy to be with the seniors and to continue my development. It’s important to be on the same page.
“It’s something you look forward to, being selected for your country. You have the Under-20s in South Korea doing well (in the World Cup) and the Under-21s going into a tournament.
“Whatever age group you’re called upon it’s important you have a mindset where you’re going to achieve great things.
“To me, it’s not being fasttracked. I feel comfortable with the position I’m in.”