Rio Ferdinand has urged Thomas Tuchel to ensure that Marcus Rashford cements a place in the England line-up at the World Cup this summer.
It’s going to be a huge summer for Marcus Rashford.
The Manchester United loanee is hoping to complete a permanent switch to Barcelona, and he is expected to make Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
It will be England’s first major tournament under Tuchel, so it remains to be seen which players he is going to lean on in an attempt to reach the latter stages.
Marcus Rashford running into the Japan penalty area
Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images
Which Manchester United player will go furthest at the World Cup?
And how far will they make it?👀
Kobbie Mainoo playing for England against Uruguay
Photo by Alex Davidson – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand warns Thomas Tuchel to start Marcus Rashford at World Cup
There has been a significant improvement in Rashford’s form since he moved to Barcelona on loan at the start of the season.
Despite not being a fixed starter in Hansi Flick’s side, Rashford has scored 10 goals and registered 13 assists.
Rashford is expected to get more game time over the coming weeks due to Raphinha’s injury, but former United defender Rio Ferdinand believes he’s already done enough to warrant a place in the England squad this summer.
More United News
The 28-year-old featured on the left wing in two of England’s games in March, which shows his resurgence has not gone unnoticed at international level.
Rashford played 69 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay, before coming off the bench and registering England’s first shot on target in a 1-0 defeat against Japan.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the 47-year-old said: “Foden, Palmer, and Gordon didn’t register a single shot on target (vs Japan).
“Marcus Rashford played 19 minutes and had more; that says it all.
“Rashford should be a starter at the World Cup if we want to go far in the tournament. Right now, he’s the best player in the team.”
Only time will tell if Tuchel agrees with Ferdinand, but there will be other players desperate to prove themselves as England’s best player.
What is Marcus Rashford truly worth in 2026 after his Barcelona loan?
Barcelona have a £26m buy option for Marcus Rashford, but what is he actually worth in today's market?
Marcus Rashford's transfer value in 2026
Credit: Getty Images
Barcelona may need to sell to buy Marcus Rashford
Barcelona president Joan Laporta claims they will try to sign Rashford, but he has never given a guarantee despite the player being more than keen on a permanent move.
Lee Ryder, a Newcastle journalist, claims he was told Barcelona have to sell to buy players this summer.
In a Q&A with Newcastle fans for Chronicle Live, Ryder said:
“I think Barca have had their fair share of financial trouble and on a recent visit there talking with club officials I was told they too have to sell to buy. The days of marquee arrivals even at the Nou Camp are behind them for now.
“Last year, Chelsea were fined 31m euros (£26.7m) and could be fined a further 60m euros (£51.2m) if they do not comply with the rules in the next four years. Aston Villa were fined 11m euros (£9.5m), with a further 15m euros (£12.9m) conditional on compliance.
“Getting commercial bang for your buck is the name of the game for all top clubs these days. Newcastle have to play to those rules.”
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox