Marcus Rashford said he was frustrated that he didn’t have time to speak with David Beckham about Manchester United after the England attacker had to break off for treatment.
Former Three Lions captain Beckham visited the squad in Qatar ahead of their big World Cup quarter-final clash with France on Saturday. A number of players got the chance to speak one-on-one with the United icon, including Rashford.
He described meeting Beckham as “a great experience” and detailed the lift it has given the squad. Speaking to England’s media team, he said: “I think things like that, the staff bring into the camp it makes a big difference because they don't do it in a formal way, it was a relaxed atmosphere.
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“He comes in, watching training, it felt right, it felt normal for people like that - people who've had the career he's had - to be around us. It was a great feeling, for us to have his support is massive for the team and the country, so a really good experience.”
When asked if they spoke about United, Rashford admitted: “I had to do some treatment - I’d booked it in myself so I was fuming with myself! I didn't speak to him this time but we've had a lot of chats over the years, he's a top person.
“For him to take his time out to see us and have chats with the lads is massively important and we all appreciate it.” Alongside Bukayo Saka, Rashford is England’s top scorer at the World Cup so far with three goals. He is two behind golden boot leader Kylian Mbappe and is tied with the likes of Lionel Messi, Cody Gakpo and Olivier Giroud.
Another name joining the chasing group is Portugal’s Goncalo Ramos, who netted the tournament’s first hat-trick in Tuesday’s 6-1 win over Switzerland on what was his first start, after Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped to the bench. Rashford credited the 21-year-old with a classy outing but played down suggestions he himself was eyeing the golden boot.
“I don't think that lad [Goncalo Ramos] has had many starts for Portugal, it's obviously a big moment for him,” he said. “I'm happy for him, he played well in the game and deserves it.
“It's looking exciting. For me, as long as the team wins and we're playing good football I can't really complain, I've definitely enjoyed playing and watching, it's been fun so far.”
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