After two games in which he had to settle for guest appearances off the bench, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford finally got his chance to start a game at the World Cup.
Not many could have seen this happen, especially after his difficult campaign last year and the fact that he went unselected in an England squad for quite some time.
But the Mancunian proved his mettle on Tuesday as he scored twice to help the Three Lions secure a comfortable 3-0 win over Wales to qualify for the round of 16.
unstoppable rashford
And in the process, the 25-year-old broke several records.
He now has the most goals in this World Cup with three and has scored the same number of World Cup goals as United and England legend David Beckham and more than Wayne Rooney.
Rashford came close to breaking the tie in the first half when he found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but his effort was well saved.
Marcus Rashford has already made 5 direct free kicks in his career.
Rocket. ???? pic.twitter.com/j2mzcnHjpN
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 29, 2022
While the United academy graduate’s completion has been under the scanner this season, his work rate has not. It’s not so easy to talk him out now with Erik ten Hag and that showed in the second half.
Despite the miss, Rashford had the courage to keep trying and it finally paid off when his direct free kick crashed into the back of the net to give Gareth Southgate’s side the lead. It was his fifth free kick goal in his career.
Rashford’s New Superpower
His greatly improved pressing ability led to England’s second, which was scored by Phil Foden before he cut in from the right to score the final goal of the game.
United’s number 10 was not amused when he played on the right flank, but at this World Cup, Rashford scored twice cutting from the right before conceding with his left.
And this newfound trait can come in handy when he rejoins the club of his childhood. He could have scored a hat-trick had it not been for a good save from the Welsh goalkeeper with his feet.
Rashford finished the game with an impressive 50 touches and four shots on goal. He also completed three dribbles and completed a long ball.
England finished top of their group and will now face Senegal in the round of 16.
