On Thursday, England played their last international friendly before they jet off to the World Cup in Russia. Three Manchester United players were involved in the fixture, one scored and received the Man of the Match award.
England travelled up north to Elland Road, the home of Leeds United, where they played Costa Rica on Thursday. It was their final warm-up game prior to flying off to Russia for the World Cup and a number of players were keen to squeeze their way into Gareth Southgate’s thinking for the first group game against Tunisia in nine days time.
Southgate seems to have settled on the 352 formation including Jesse Lingard in the midfield. Phil Jones one of the three centre-halves. Ashley Young could also play at left-wing back, whilst Marcus Rashford could partner Harry Kane up top.
The Wythenshawe-born lad would have done his chances no harm at all after being the standout player in the 2-0 win over Costa Rica at Elland Road. Rashford lined-up alongside Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy up front – a dangerously quick looking forward two.
Rashford however, dropped deeper into more of a number 10 position throughout the first half. In fact, the freedom given to him by Southgate meant he drifted further than just centrally. Rashford was squaring up, and beating, both opposition full-backs too. A new found confidence which Manchester United fans had been craving all season.
The 20-year old scored the opening goal, summing up his first half flair. On the turn, he took the ball off Rueben Loftus-Cheek. Taking one touch to get the ball out in front of him, Rashford unleashed a dipping, swerving shot which rocketed into the top corner over the stranded Keylor Navas.
The striker was also involved in the second goal too. Rashford dropped back off his maker to collect the ball on the right-angle of the 18-yard box, slotting it through to Dele Alli who crossed for Danny Welbeck to nod home.
What are Rashford’s chances of making Gareth Southgate’s first World Cup XI?
Prior to this match against Costa Rica, I believe Gareth Southgate knew his starting XI. However, in giving the second team a chance to perform, he now faces a problem. But it’s a problem a manager would prefer to have. Rashford has given Southgate a massive selection dilemma ahead of the first group game against Tunisia.
"“It’s more difficult, no question. There are some serious decisions to take, but in a really good way. If I was thinking I have no one to play in this position or in that position, it would be a very different situation. We asked the players to give us competition for places, and they’ve done that. We needed options.”"
Who could Rashford replace? With Jesse Lingard looking a nailed-on starter, the person who Rashford could replace would be Raheem Sterling or Dele Alli. If Alli comes out of the side, that would leave just Jesse Lingard alongside Eric Dier or Jordan Henderson in midfield, something which is unlikely to happen. Therefore the only realistic replacement is Sterling.
Next: Manchester United's central midfield season ratings REVEALED!
It would be a big risk to play Rashford. He has not partnered Harry Kane in the 352 formation yet. If it the team were not to be as productive in the first game against Tunisia, England could face having to win their next two games in order to qualify.
Therefore, you could understand if Southgate was to stick with the tried, tested and successful partnership of Sterling and Kane. On the other hand, if Rashford was to replicate that dynamic performance on Thursday night, England could have found themselves a potential golden boy for the tournament. And Gareth Southgate seems to think so too.
"“Rashford played with a real swagger tonight. For me, at the end of the season, he cared so much you could see he was trying too hard [at Manchester United]. By taking risks they show the glimpses of quality like Marcus’s opening goal. That was world-class, but he was also teasing defenders by the touchline. His performance wasn’t perfect but he was enjoying his football and that was good to see.” [The Guardian]"