Marcus Rashford got the start for England in their first friendly against Uruguay, and while he didn't create much in a tight game, the Barcelona loanee is looking good for the World Cup
Marcus Rashford of England
Marcus Rashford has won over Thomas Tuchel(Image: Vince Mignott/Getty Images)
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Marcus Rashford could be one of the big winners in England’s March camp. There was a real shift in Thomas Tuchel’s mood after Rashford’s performance against Uruguay which might have gone some way to putting him into the World Cup starting XI.
Back in October, Tuchel clearly had a strong message for Rashford as he questioned whether he would fulfil his potential as a world class talent. “Potential is a dangerous word with high-level sports, because you have to reach your personal best on a regular basis - that is demanded on this kind of level and that is the challenge for him. It is not a question of talent,” said Tuchel.
That was ahead of England’s win in Latvia when, interestingly, Rashford was only a substitute while Anthony Gordon started and scored in a 5-0 win. Rashford started against Uruguay on Friday and it was obvious that he had a point to prove before the “A listers” joined back up with the main squad ahead of Tuesday’s second friendly with Japan.
How Rashford, 28, is even among the “second string” is anyone’s guess because he is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, two of the biggest clubs in the world. Rashford has made 39 appearances for Barcelona - but only 21 have been as a starter - and scored 10 goals and provided 10 assists.
But as much as Tuchel wanted to show him some tough love five months ago, the England manager had a much more positive message this time. Tuchel said: “He tries. He tries hard. He hasn't started a game for a long, long time. So we gave him this because I spoke to him. I was very impressed with the training yesterday. It was a defensive training and he was very strong with Djed Spence on the side.
“Understanding how to initiate the press for us. He worked hard and I think he worked very hard. He just can't get the goal that he maybe needs to be in full confidence. I'm happy with the way he tried and it was a constant threat.”
Rashford’s last England goal came against Serbia last September while Tuchel is probably being harsh on his game time at Barcelona because he last started on March 7. But Rashford is now back in Tuchel’s good books and Dom Solanke earned praise, as did James Garner whose versatility - he can play as a right back and midfield - could make him a late shout.
Thomas Tuchel Head Coach of England points at Marcus Rashford
Thomas Tuchel likes Marcus Rashford's work rate on the left wing(Image: Nigel French/Getty Images)
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Everton boss David Moyes has rightly championed Garner and Tuchel has taken a particular interest and liking to the player. The England players went into the Uruguay game believing it was an audition and a personal one at that. There was a feeling that it was more about what they could do as individuals than the team performance or result.
Tuchel says he got what he wanted from the Uruguay game and in the build-up in training. Players had to push their way in ahead of the big guns rejoining for Japan. He added: “I was looking forward to that match, I tell you. I was looking forward because we had some good training sessions and the group was a lively group. We said to the group today do we expect everything to be perfect? Yeah, maybe yes, because we always do.
James Garner of England during the international friendly match between England and Uruguay
James Garner's versatility gives him a chance to make the World Cup squad(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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“But we are smart enough to understand. you play for the first time, you may be nervous. And you have a lot of information to take in over the last days. So it will maybe take a while and the opponents, they know what they are doing. They are playing in their best formation.
“So just keep going, stay positive. And they did. I liked the group a lot. I was excited to coach them. I was very happy when I did it. It seemed like we got a win for it. But it was good. It was nice. And now, of course, all the guys are now in the dressing room. It was a good atmosphere. It was nice to see everyone back and we need to make sure that they are ready now against Japan.”
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