Marcus Rashford has positioned himself firmly in contention for World Cup selection following his "major career transformation." England manager Thomas Tuchel has expressed his strong appreciation for Rashford by delivering a resounding endorsement, making him the sole Manchester United representative in the squad to tackle Andorra and Serbia.
The 27-year-old forward is currently on loan from his parent club to Barcelona, and it is precisely this bold move that has captured Tuchel's attention and secured his inclusion as one of three candidates capable of operating on the left flank. Arsenal newcomer Eberechi Eze and Newcastle's Anthony Gordon also feature in this intensely contested position, yet Rashford appears to hold the advantage.
Tuchel revealed his satisfaction when he brought Rashford back into the fold last season and remains committed to elevating his performance by facilitating his season-long loan switch to Barcelona.
Tuchel commented: "I think he had a very good camp. He tried very, very hard to be the best version of himself in the first camp. He was in a good moment in Aston Villa.
"I wanted to encourage him and give him as a positive feedback, gave him this camp and the call-up. He did very well. He missed the second camp for us. Now he made a big change, into a new football culture, new country.
"But he started already matches for Barcelona and I wanted to keep him going. It's the one position where we have three players. After long discussions we decided to take three players on this position.
"It's Ebs, Anthony and Marcus. I think Marcus gives us one-on-ones, he gives us the finishing ability, with both feet. He gives us the body and the speed to intimidate opponents and make the difference. It's on him to keep that going."
Tuchel sprung shocks by omitting Trent Alexander-Arnold, whilst Kyle Walker was also absent and may remain stranded on 96 caps with no recall for Jack Grealish either.
However, regarding the new faces, Djed Spence receives his opportunity whilst Elliot Anderson also earned his maiden senior call-up with the particular notion that England are seeking a fresh midfield anchor to provide Declan Rice with greater licence to roam.
Adam Wharton is also included.
Tuchel explained: "It will depend on how Adam presents himself and depend how Elliot presents himself. They now have a big chance. They are a bit different players. It depends who we play against.
"Will the structure be the same against Andorra and in Belgrade? The physicality and the individual quality and the style of the teams we play will be very different - what we face in Belgrade and in Birmingham. Also, we want to see them.
"We value training very highly so we will take this decision when we come to the match. I think all four No 6 and No 8 players we chose can play with each other. We are open for any mix. I don't want to give too much away because it's pretty much open."
Meanwhile, Tuchel also confessed that his trip to the United States for the Club World Cup this summer has given him much to ponder ahead of next year.
Tuchel stated: "It was unbelievably hot. It was very, very hot and very hostile conditions to train and to play. It's one thing to know it, it's another thing to feel it, it's another thing to watch it. It's another thing to play in it.
"So it was basically just...confirmation of what we thought it would be. The distances will be huge, it will be humid, it will be very, very hot."