Gary Neville has praised Manchester United forward and one-time Arsenal target, Marcus Rashford, after his stunning performance during England’s 3-0 win over Wales at the Qatar World Cup.
The former right-back stated ‘quite a few people were saying Manchester United should sell him’, with the likes of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal keen to take him on board, but Erik ten Hag saved the day after his arrival at Old Trafford in the summer.
And now the 25-year-old, who was one of three players to miss a penalty at Euro 2020, netted a brace as Gareth Southgate’s side progressed to the knockout stages of the World Cup by topping Group B.
After a dull and drab first-half performance, Rashford ignited the game into life with a stunning free-kick five minutes after the restart and the Three Lions were then able to roar to an easy victory in the battle of Britain.
The goals stayed in Manchester because it was City’s Phil Foden who added a second just moments after that rocket from Rashford, before the rejuvenated Old Trafford star then doubled his tally in the game to send Wales packing and back to the UK.
It could have been very different for Rashford because his career was heading towards the wrong direction not so long ago, but his spirit, form and confidence have been lifted this season, which was touched upon by Gary Neville, as he told ITV Sport.
“When you think of where Marcus Rashford has come from a year or so ago,” said Neville. “Quite a lot of people were saying Manchester United should sell him.
“He had a lot of things going on outside of football. I think he has simplified it all. His distractions have gone and he is enjoying his football again.”
RASHFORD FOR GOLDEN BOOT…?
Whilst Rashford hasn’t had many minutes at the World Cup, he is sitting on three goals from England’s three opening games and he is now gunning for that all-important Golden Boot.
Many would have backed Harry Kane to be sitting on top of that tree after he was the top-scorer at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but it’s Rashford leading that charge now.
It’s the small matter of facing the Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal next for England, and given the impact Rashford has had off the bench and now when he has started, surely Southgate has to select him from the get-go against Senegal on Sunday.
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