Such is the relentless nature of World Cups, the sense of recency bias is heightened. When there are four games a day during the group stage and celebrating even the sweetest victory before the final is tempered by the need to focus on what happens next, the appreciation of moments and performances are diluted.
So, while there is a feeling that England’s defeat by France on Saturday night is the only thing worth considering about this tournament, the zoomed-out view produces a more rounded perspective, not least when it comes to the young players. Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, most notably, have seen their statuses elevated to world class.
But Marcus Rashford ’s rediscovered form has been, if not forgotten, at least glossed over by circumstances. Even in the super-sub role, the Manchester United forward was outstanding in Qatar - epitomised by his performance against Wales.
The signs of a return to something approaching his best have been visible at United since Erik ten Hag’s arrival, notably at a time when Cristiano Ronaldo ’s mere presence in the dressing room risked further fracturing a club that hoped to be rebounding.
But while Rashford was returning from Doha on Sunday, it was hard to ignore the significance of Ten Hag confirming that United would be activating the extension in his contract - mostly to ensure he cannot leave for free in the summer.
United are keen for him to sign a new deal but there are concerns that he is running down his contract, with Paris Saint-Germain among those interested in signing him.
“I can't answer that question,” Ten Hag said when asked for his thoughts on that theory involving the 25-year-old. “He has to make a decision. What we can do is to show him that this is the best club to be in, and it has to do with the culture of the club, but also in the way we are working together.
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“It has to do with the way we play, the way we train, are we offering the right environment to progress further on, and it's also a financial issue as well.
"So, if we do that, if we can tell him about the ambitions and how we want to fulfil the ambitions, these talks we will have with him. Then it is up to him to make the decision. It's one-and-a-half years [still on his contract] and he will be here [for all of that]."
The PSG links have been present for some time, with president Nasser Al-Khelaifi last week describing Rashford as “amazing” while admitting that talks had been held last summer about a potential deal.
United picking up the option to extend his contract merely ensures he cannot go for free at the end of this season. And while Ten Hag is evidently very keen for him to be a central part of the long-term project, a big offer is required to keep him at Old Trafford.
“To have Rashford for free, every club would definitely run after him. We’re not hiding it, we spoke before and there was interest,” Al-Khelaifi said, three days before news of the contract extension broke.
"But the moment was not a good moment for both sides. Maybe summer, why not? Today, if he’s a free agent, of course we can talk to him directly but we are not going to talk to him now. Let him focus on the World Cup. Then after, in January, hopefully, if we’re interested we will talk to him.”
Ten Hag, meanwhile, went on to compare Rashford’s style of play to Kylian Mbappe, while praising his attitude in training and underlining his positive state of mind off the pitch. That Mbappe and Rashford had a friendly exchange on the latter’s Instagram since Saturday night’s narrow defeat by the reigning champions merely fanned the flames of speculation further.
“From the first moment, I recognised huge potential,” Ten Hag added on Rashford. “And now to get out the potential, I believe when Marcus's positioning is on the back of the defending line, there is almost no better player in the world.
"There is Mbappe in this moment, a type like him. But when he [Rashford] is getting in that position, he's great and you see he's really improved also out of possession. One of the first things I said to him was, ‘come to training and smile’, that gives you energy when you are happy.
“Actually, Marcus was one from the start who came with a smile to Carrington, from the first moment, it really was a joy to work with him. I recognise his talent. I think he is happier off the pitch too.”
When his form dipped to an alarming degree last season, Rashford’s off-field endeavours were criticised by many on the fringes. His on-field response has been emphatic. Now, the question is whether he can maintain his start to the season and strengthen his hand further when it comes to contract negotiations.
Should United not offer what he expects, his list of suitors will be a long one.
