Saturday 28 May 2016 09:19, UK
Marcus Rashford's remarkable rise continued with a goal just three minutes into his England debut against Australia. As Roy Hodgson settles on his squad for Euro 2016, is the 18-year-old now impossible to ignore?
Few had even heard of Marcus Rashford three months ago but he is in the history books now. The fearless teenager scored with his first shots on his Europa League and Premier League debuts for Manchester United, and he repeated the feat on Friday night, becoming the youngest debutant scorer in England's history and making a compelling case for a place at Euro 2016.
Roy Hodgson had wondered how Rashford might cope on the international stage, but it took just 135 seconds for him to blow any doubts away. The teenager has taken everything in his stride since his Manchester United debut just 92 days ago, and it was a case of more of the same as he lined up in an England shirt for the first time.
An injury to Daniel Sturridge had opened the door. The Liverpool striker picked up a calf strain in the days leading up to the game at the Stadium of Light, and he sat stony-faced in the dugout as Rashford went to work in a front two with Raheem Sterling.
Rashford's goal showcased his smart movement and finishing ability, as he drifted across from the right-hand side to receive Ryan Bertrand's diagonal pass and knock the ball through to his onrushing strike partner. Many forwards would have continued their run, but Rashford checked back, created space for himself and dispatched a first-time finish from Sterling's deflected cross.
It was instinctive, intelligent and clinical. Rashford's shy smile was a reminder that this was a boy making only his 19th senior appearance, but he continued to defy his inexperience when play resumed. There was a sharp turn and sprint away from Australia's Mark Milligan in the eighth minute, and soon enough he had the confidence to attempt a long pass over the top for Sterling.
There were occasional loose touches and misplaced passes, but Rashford's every touch brought excitement from the crowd, and his livewire presence made things happen. He showed a willingness to run with the ball and stretch Australia's defence using his pace, and in the 30th minute he produced an outstanding, first-time pass to set up Adam Lallana in Australia's box.
The Liverpool man's close-range shot was charged down by Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan, but Rashford's quick-thinking had made the opportunity. The youngster was a dangerous outlet on the counter-attack right up until his second-half substitution, and he was even involved in Wayne Rooney's second goal as he shielded the ball for Sterling to provide the assist.
It was enough to suggest Rashford has the potential to have a similar impact to Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney when they graced their first major international tournaments at the same age, and the clamour for Hodgson to name him in his final squad could now prove irresistible.
"I'm delighted for Marcus Rashford and delighted that he's received such praise," said the England boss. "I'm also delighted that my decision to thrust him into the side was not proved to be ridiculous. I am pleased and he has done his chances of coming into the 23 no harm.
"I was asked if I was nervous about putting him in, could he handle it? But I wasn't nervous or surprised how he played. He wouldn't have been in 26-man squad if I didn't think he had a chance."
Rashford tracked back and pressed hard without the ball, and Hodgson even had the chance to take a look at him on the flank before his withdrawal. "He tired, but it was good to see him for 15 minutes out wide and know that he can do a job for us out there if selected," he said.
Those comments could spell bad news for Sturridge, who has not even been able to train since joining up with the squad. Hodgson has to cut two more players after revealing Fabian Delph is likely to miss out, and he has already admitted it would be a gamble to pick Sturridge given his injury problems.
For Rashford, the signs point to France staging the next chapter of his incredible story. The 18-year-old has already sparkled against Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League. He has already led the line in an FA Cup final. And after making history on his England debut, he looks ready for his biggest challenge yet.
