After making an instance impact from the bench in England's World Cup opener against Iran, Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford might have hoped to start in the second Group B clash. However, Gareth Southgate opted to stick with the same starting line-up that he selected for the first game, and the United man was once again among the substitutes.
Given that the Three Lions thrashed Carlos Queiroz's last Monday, the England boss can't be blamed for sticking with a winning team - but with Rashford not coming on until the 78th minute as Southgate's men struggled to break down USA, some supporters were confused as to why it took so long for him to be sent on.
Rashford has registered eight goals for Erik ten Hag's side so far this season, while Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling - who started on the wings for England on Friday night - have recorded five each. The Arsenal star and Chelsea ace were impressive against Iran, but it would probably be fair to say that they were both on the pitch for too long against USA.
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The strong showings from Rashford this term have led to praise from his manager, with Ten Hag lauding the 25-year-old, while also insisting that he can continue to improve. Following Rashford's 100th United goal - which came against West Ham United in October - the Dutchman praised the forward.
When asked if the United star can become an elite attacker, Ten Hag replied: "He already is. If you score 100 for Manchester United before you are 25. But it’s about trophies to win with your club, and I think he can develop even more.
"Two headers [in consecutive games]: we’ve worked a lot on that, we had to improve, and you see what’s happening. He is much more consistent and resilient – already a great player but still room for improvement. Where it will end [his career] who knows, but I am sure it will be great."
Since being handed his England debut by Roy Hodgson, Rashford has registered 13 goals and five assists in 48 appearances for his country. He has started on 21 occasions, and come on from the bench 27 times.
While it remains to be seen if the 25-year-old will start against Wales on Tuesday evening, Southgate is expected to make changes. Given that the Three Lions failed to find the back of the net on Friday night, it certainly wouldn't be surprising if the England boss tinkers with his attacking trio.
Rashford has insisted that he is "raring to go" if Southgate starts him against Wales, with the Reds man desperate to prove he is still the man for the "big moments" after his Euro 2020 heartbreak.
He said: "I’m raring to go. It’s a great feeling to pull on the England shirt again. When you’re on the bench, you want to get involved in the game as quickly as possible.
"For any player - but especially a forward - the best way to do that is by scoring a goal. The fact that the opportunity came so quickly is beautiful."
The Three Lions need only avoid a four-goal defeat at the hands of Wales to progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup, and with their opponents needing to pick up three points, it could prove to be the perfect game for the in-form Rashford to prove his manager right.
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