Marcus Rashford Is Back To His Best For Manchester United And England

49 seconds and three touches is all it took for Marcus Rashford to add his name to the scoresheet earlier this afternoon for England against Iran in the FIFA World Cup.

Rashford, who has been on the receiving end of criticism since the Euro 2020 Championships 18 months ago, has returned to form for Manchester United this season, which is now being translated for the Three Lions under Gareth Southgate.

There were calls that Rashford should not be called up by the England manage for this tournament, but given match-winning performances for the Red Devils and versatility across the front three, Southgate decided it was a player that could add further quality in his squad.

11 goal contributions in 19 appearances this season, mostly playing off the left, suggests a return to rich vein in form for the English winger at Manchester United under Erik Ten Hag.

With the ongoing off-field issues surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo – which looks ever likely to result in contract termination – Rashford has stepped into the fold as a number nine, especially with Anthony Martial’s injury issues.

Southgate called upon Rashford just after the 70th minute mark, which he managed to justify his decision of bringing him to Qatar by adding to the scoring straight away. On another day, Rashford could have gone on to score two or three with the chances that came his way.

It might have only been Iran, but Rashford looked likely and threatening with every time he received the ball at his feet. Southgate played Rashford off the right wing, which is another position that he can – if called upon – provide attacking threat down.

England will be expected to go late into the World Cup this year, especially with the squad that they have on paper and their opening 6-2 victory. It might just be those substitutions will have an absolutely crucial impact in latter moments of games that might be more difficult to navigate through.

Rashford has openly said this season that he feels happier and clearer in his mind about his football, which is resulting in some fantastic on-field performances that were reminiscent of a few years ago.

Southgate clearly trusts the Manchester United forward and will continually be used from either the bench or a starting position, especially when he sees the results of such a positive performance.

There is a feel good factor around the Three Lions at the minute with synergy between all of the players on and off the field. Rashford is at the centre of that.