Rashford aiming to follow example of Manchester United idols

MARCUS RASHFORD is aiming to follow in the footsteps of Manchester United idols Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo as he bids to make his mark at Euro 2020.

The striker will be a key part of the England side who have their sights set on silverware under the guidance of boss Gareth Southgate.

The Three Lions kick-off their campaign at home to

Croatia today before facing Scotland and the Czech Republic in a section they are expected to top.

Rashford has enjoyed another fine campaign at Old Trafford and he is well aware of the opportunity that lies ahead.

“I remember Wayne Rooney playing his first Euros in 2004. He was only 18 and he was one of my favourite players already,” he said. “But just watching him there, express himself and play so freely... it’s what football is all about.

“They tell you that at United. Go on the pitch to express yourself.

“Things outside the sport, whether it’s anger or anxiety or whatever you are dealing with off the pitch, once you get on it just let it all out.

“For me to see Wayne perform like that, it was one of my favourite individual memories from a player in an England shirt.

“When I was younger, my biggest inspirations were Wayne and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“That was purely based on the fact that I was lucky enough to get the chance to sometimes bump into them in the corridor in the building.

“I’d watch them train and I could just see two young players who had enormous talent. Over the years, watching them at Old Trafford – they grew into animals.

“They were world-class players and when they were on their journey, it just drives you every day.

“Whatever you thought was good, you need to do better than that. That was my mentality and still is – and it’s thanks to those boys that my brain works in that way. Those two were definitely my idols.”