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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has point to prove vs France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford will have another score to settle when England take on holders France at the World Cup on Saturday night - and not because he was surprisingly omitted by Gareth Southgate for their last-16 victory over Senegal at the Al-Bayt Stadium on Monday night.

After scoring two goals against Wales as Group B played to a conclusion, Rashford was unable to retain his place in the starting XI with Bukayo Saka preferred. It was an eye-catching decision from Southgate but, in the end, his team got the job done as Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Saka himself scored.

Rashford was eventually summoned from the bench. With no need to repeat his group-stage heroics, the United Academy graduate was deployed on the right-hand side as England closed out victory, but things are about to be cranked up to another level still on Saturday night.

READ MORE: Fans react to Rashford omission

France have coasted through their World Cup defence, so far, and have several attacking threats at their disposal - even with one or two pre-tournament injury setbacks. Olivier Giroud has just become their highest-ever goalscorer and Kylian Mbappe is regarded, by many, as the greatest player on the planet right now.

Raphael Varane presents a familiar face for Rashford and other United players in the England squad. However, one rather less friendly one - as far as Rashford is concerned - is France goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris.

A highly-regarded performer in the Premier League throughout his Tottenham career, Lloris stood between the posts this October when United recorded a statement win over the north Londoners. Fred and Bruno Fernandes hit the goals on a night where Cristiano Ronaldo took centre stage for refusing to come on.

Rashford, though, has mixed memories from that match after he was somehow denied by a stunning Lloris save. It prompted a brilliant post-game exchange between the forward with Rio Ferdinand on social media platform Twitter.

After the final whistle, Ferdinand tweeted his shock at the save. He wrote: "Lloris got something against Marcus." Rashford replied: "serious bro," alongside a sideways laughing face emoji.

With Rashford set to face Lloris again on Saturday, this time with both players representing their countries, Rashford will be hoping he will be the one getting one over the Spurs goalkeeper this time around.

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