Can Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford replace Tottenham’s Harry Kane

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Could Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford step up and replace Harry Kane for England?

England could face a dilemma at the World Cup this summer with key striker Harry Kane battling an ankle injury.

There is no obvious solution up front, after all how do you replace a player who netted more than 50 goals for his club Tottenham Hotspur in the last calendar year?

Perhaps the Three Lions’ best option could be a player who netted two important goals at the weekend, Marcus Rashford.

Rashford has not been used as a central striker for United this season, but England must consider it this summer.

Jose Mourinho has played him out wide, and often used him from the bench instead of as a regular starter.

Rashford’s goals therefore do not compare, with just six league strikes versus Kane’s 24.

In his favour is his finishing ability. Rashford’s six goals have come from 17 on target, while Kane’s 24 comes from 67.

The United ace has a 12 per cent conversion rate, only just shy of Kane’s 15 per cent.

England fans will hope that Kane is passed fully fit for the World Cup; his performances in the Champions League this season showed he can produce at the top level, with goals against Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.

Their options without the Spurs man are limited, but Rashford’s poise in front of goal suggest he has a credible argument to replace him, even if he will not scare defenders in the same way Kane’s presence does.