It is four from four for Thomas Tuchel and England in their World Cup qualifying campaign thanks to a 2-0 victory over Andorra on Saturday. But yet again, there are far more questions than answers. An own goal before Declan Rice's second-half effort was enough to give the hosts the three points at Villa Park, but there were more claims that the European finalists have regressed under their new manager, as a lack of cutting edge became apparent.
That assessment was never more evident than in one star's performance (who was given a 5/10 rating by GIVEMESPORT), which has now put him under real pressure of losing his place in Tuchel's team moving forward, despite being a regular fixture of the reign so far.
England Star's Struggles May Cost Him Place Under Tuchel
There were several bold choices from Tuchel in his starting XI. Elliot Anderson received his first cap while Dan Burn maintained his place at the back. However, there was also a start for Marcus Rashford on the left-hand side. Since taking the Three Lions hot seat, the German coach has continued to show faith in the former Manchester United winger, with the game against Andorra marking his third start.
However, having struggled to settle in at Barcelona, leading to the consideration of a potential loan termination, Rashford offered little of note yet again and may have blown his last chance to rubber-stamp a position on the left of Tuchel's attack. His best moment came when he should have put the ball in the net following an initial effort from Eberechi Eze, but he miscued his shot wide.
That summed up his day at Villa Park, a place he had lit up on loan for the Villans last season. Lee Dixon said on commentary Rashford would be 'disappointed' with himself for missing the target, but the same could be said for just about everything he did during his 68 minutes on the pitch.
Fans and media were critical of Rashford post-match. That happens in football. But the fact that, not for the first time, his manager singled him out for criticism, having also done so following the win over Albania back in March, will be a real concern.
To make matters worse, there is plenty of competition for places in the position Rashford currently occupies. Anthony Gordon has shown that he can star on the left flank for Newcastle, while Phil Foden can also operate there when at his best – though that has not been the case in an England shirt for some time.
Furthermore, Eberechi Eze's move to Arsenal will likely see him move over to the left in place of Gabriel Martinelli, while there have also been calls for Jack Grealish to return to the England fold after his impressive start to life at Everton. All this, combined with Rashford failing to do anything to prove he deserves his place in the team, means he may be waving goodbye to his chances of playing a key role moving forward.