Man United forward Marcus Rashford was on a steady decline in the previous few months but he’s gotten a new lease of life under Erik ten Hag. Ten Hag is trying really hard to revive the striker and if the Dutchman succeeds then it’s going to be a massive issue for Gareth Southgate.
Last season, he scored only four goals in 25 Premier League games but this time around he’s already netted three goals in six league matches. Ten Hag is working really hard to polish the various aspects of the England international and make him the long-term successor to Cristiano Ronaldo.
A source told The Sun, as quoted: ‘The manager wants Marcus to be United’s No 1 striker and lead the line up front.
‘He believes Marcus has the ability to become one of the world’s best and wants him to express himself in matches.
‘He is always telling him to use his pace and skills when he gets a chance. He told Marcus he will easily score 20 this season. They have a great relationship and Marcus is really happy.’
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are set to be recalled by Gareth Southgate next Thursday 🏴 [@draper_rob] pic.twitter.com/xnpZPqUEru
— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) September 10, 2022
Will Marcus Rashford make it into England’s World Cup squad?
Just a few months ago, it was almost certain that Rashford won’t be a part of the Three Lions squad to Qatar but now things are changing rather quickly.
He’s picked up the pace very quickly and if he can manage to display the same form until the middle of November then players like Jack Grealish, Tammy Abraham, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and Jarrod Bowen will be under massive pressure.
It’s almost a given that Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling will be the front three for England in Qatar so all the above-mentioned players are going to battle it out to be the backup winger.
Jack Grealish has been massively inconsistent since joining Man City but Southgate has massive faith in the 27-year-old so he’s more or less ahead of the other fringe players at the moment.
However, Sterling’s position is still not confirmed because he’s not been in great form since joining Chelsea in the summer. He’s still not scored in Chelsea colours and if it continues like this, Southgate could very well push him down the pecking order.
The upcoming international break will be a good indication of how the England manager wants to set up his side. The Three Lions will play Italy and Germany in the Nations League towards the end of this month and these two games will give up an idea if the likes of Rashford or Saka are good enough to climb up the pecking order or not.
To be honest, Marcus Rashford is still not close to getting a starting berth in the World Cup but his recent form has really illuminated his chances to be in the matchday squads. Based on his current form, the 24-year-old will at least be part of the Three Lions World Cup squad.