Aheed Abrar
Gary Neville believes Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford “guaranteed to start” for England vs Senegal
Manchester United icon Gary Neville believes Marcus Rashford is “guaranteed to start” for England against Senegal in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
The Three Lions will take on the Lions of Teranga on Sunday (5 December) at Al Bayt Stadium. Gareth Southgate’s team qualified for the knockout rounds after finishing top of Group B.
England had to contend with Iran, the United States and Wales to extend their stay in the prestigious tournament in Qatar. The Three Lions beat Team Melli in the opening fixture 6-2. The Red Devils’ forward got on the score sheet, coming on as a substitute.
Southgate brought the 25-year-old on from the bench once again against the USA. However, the game ended in a stalemate with the scoreline 0-0.
Rashford was given a start for England against the Dragons. While the first half was a bit underwhelming, the Old Trafford side’s academy graduate came to life after the break. He scored a sublime free-kick early on and got his brace in the 68th minute.
Speaking on Sky Sports (h/t Manchester Evening News), Neville, who garnered 85 caps for the Three Lions, feels the 25-year-old has made a case for himself to be in Southgate’s plans from the start against Senegal.
“I was worried a little bit in the first half when he missed that chance and I wondered whether that would play on his mind.
“But I was delighted he got the two goals in the second half and I think he’s actually pushed himself into a position whereby he’s the one I think will start on Sunday, he’s the one guaranteed to start in that wide position with Kane in the middle.”
Rashford is now the joint-top scorer at the World Cup, having found the back of the net three times. He has been in similar form for United as well this season.
Erik ten Hag has preferred the 25-year-old in the number nine position in the current campaign. The Dutch manager’s seeming reluctance to play Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial’s injury has meant that the winger has had to play as our striker.
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Rashford has been decent, scoring eight goals in 19 appearances in all competitions, the highest in the squad. Hopefully, the forward has a good World Cup and will come back a better player to Manchester.
