Marcus Rashford went away with England on the back of being hauled off at Old Trafford whilst his Manchester United teammates were searching for a way back into the game against Newcastle, trailing 2-0. However, Rashford went away with England and showed off his natural ability to the world again.
Firstly, it must be said that Rashford went away with England having previously been in terrific form for his country. Scoring two in two against Spain and Switzerland in September fed Manchester United fans with a heap of excitement for when he returned to his club.
So, when he got the call up for Gareth Southgate’s England squad this time, it was an opportunity to rebuild some momentum in order to kick-start his season with the Red Devils. But whilst travelling the world to Croatia and Spain, it was important for Rashford to forget about his inconsistent start to the season and focus on his very consistent form for the Three Lions.
Here are three reasons as to why this international break was a successful one for the youngster.
1. Bounced back from criticism against Croatia to tear Spain apart
It was a night to forget in Rijeka for Marcus Rashford. Despite being one of only a few bright sparks for England, the 20-year old had two golden opportunities to win the game. Both of which he missed.
The first was the most glaring simply because the time he had to finish it. The ball was curled in front of him across the penalty spot to Rashford just left of centre. He had a long time to wait before it got to him, watching it like a hawk as it bobbled towards him.
You could see he was thinking which foot to take it on with and he chose left, scuffing the ball into the ground and straight into the arms of the grateful Dominik Livakovic.
Another chance came moments later. After some great build-up play with Raheem Sterling, Rashford was one-on-one with the Croatian keeper. The United forward opened up his body passing it into the bottom right, but the keeper read it and pulled out a great stop.
Many fans turned to Twitter to criticise Rashford after this display. Claiming the once-wonderkid is no longer a natural finisher. But Rashford responded perfectly.
After decisively assisting Sterling for his first of the night against Spain, Rashford then clinically caressed the ball past David De Gea to send England 2-0 up. Fast, incisive and ruthless, Rashford proved his doubters wrong.
2. Hard work pays off
One area of Marcus Rashford’s game which goes unnoticed is his work rate. This was put under the magnifying glass against Spain.
Due to how quickly the Spanish player’s press, you have to be one step ahead all the time. You must know your next pass before the ball comes to you. But even more so, when you lose it you’ve got to chase back.
With players such as Thiago and Busquets ready to nick the ball off you, it won’t take long before they find the likes of Asensio and Aspas for the counter-attack. This is why it is imperative to track back and complete your defensive work.
Rashford also stayed disciplined in his defensive shape in the second half when England had to withstand serious spells of pressure. Not only that but to relieve some pressure the 20-year old often carried the ball out, charging upfield in an attempt to win a throw-in and take time out of the contest.
Once again proving that he has many strings to his bow.
3. Showed his class on the left, a position worth fighting for
It is unlikely Jose Mourinho will be relinquishing Romelu Lukaku from the number nine position very soon, therefore, Rashford may need to look elsewhere on the pitch if he wants minutes.
Somewhere he has been accustomed to playing the past couple of years is on the left wing. In both of his appearances for England this international break, Rashford was deployed on the left wing.
He added pace, style, finesse and class to England’s attack. For his Manchester United season’s sake, it’s worth excelling in this position in order to get more minutes.
But now Rashford has to take this form he seems so comfortable delivering on the international stage into his club football.
The last time Rashford returned to Old Trafford in this kind of form, it had drained from his body by the time he’d served his three-match suspension. Hopefully, this time around he can continue where he left off.