Marcus Rashford Has His Smile Back For Club And Country

Having become joint-top goalscorer for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, it is fair to say that Marcus Rashford is in his best form.

Two goals tonight against Wales secured the win for England and set them through as Group B table toppers.

Rashford’s opening strike, a beautifully-struck free kick that went into the top right corner, unlocked the block for the Three Lions, who then went on to score two more goals to seal the 3-0 victory.

The England winger’s second goal was well worked from a team point of view. After picking the ball up from a Jordan Henderson pass, Rashford cut inside from the far right-hand side, beat his man, and drove through the ball to beat Danny Ward by sheer power.

Rashford, all game, chased the ball down and was relentless. His intent in pressing was clear to see and energy throughout the 76 minutes he played. A season ago, Rashford would struggle to bring the same work rate into his game, and instead look lethargic when tracking back.

But now, the Englishman looks a player reborn. Playing with a smile on his face, Rashford is one of the deadliest forwards in the world right now and becomes joint-top scorer for this year’s Championships.

While Southgate has opted for Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka in the opening two games with Rashford featuring from the bench, it was made clear tonight that England need Rashford’s explosiveness and directness from the start.

Whether the manager decides to replace Saka with Rashford directly, or change things around in the front line, remains to be seen, but England fans will want to see the man in form be named in the attack against Senegal this Sunday.

The Three Lions have a wealth of talent littered throughout the squad and so dropping any player is a ridiculously difficult decision, but Southgate has seen the qualities and form that Rashford is in and must utilise it to the team’s benefit.

With a tiresome-looking Harry Kane, who picked up an injury in England’s opener against Iran, Rashford made direct runs in-behind the Wales defence and reaped the rewards for it.

The Manchester United forward is a player who punishes defences and creates panic in the opposition’s back line. Whether he goes directly past you or cuts back inside, his unpredictability and sheer speed is a frightening prospect for any full back to come up against.

Senegal will be no pushovers in the Round of 16 this weekend, but with Rashford on the pitch and space to roam into, England have a fantastic opportunity to make yet another Quarter-Final.