Marcus Rashford has done his chances of making England’s final Euro 2016 squad “no harm” with his performance against Australia, says manager Roy Hodgson.
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“Strikers thrive on goals and he took his goal well”.
Rashford continued his compelling rise to prominence in Sunderland, volleying home after a neat move involving Raheem Sterling after just two minutes and 18 seconds of the 2-1 win over Australia.
Assessing Rashford, the England boss told ITV: “It’s fantastic”.
“Let’s wait and see [if he makes the squad]”.
But his glowing response to questions about the youngster suggested he can dig out his passport.
“I am pleased for him and of course he was always one of the players who was seriously competing for a place in the 23”. I was asked if I was nervous about putting him in, could he handle it? If it turns out his injury would keep him out the Euros or he would be unfit when we play Russian Federation, that might make a difference.
“He exhausted, and was obviously feeling the pace and intensity of the game, but that’s normal”.
“We saw the best of them together and we knew that, with those two together, we would be very unsafe on the counter due to their pace”. “He would not be out of place in anyone’s 23”.
Just three months ago, Rashford, who earns only £1,500-a-week ($2,200, 2,000 euros) and drives a relatively modest Audi, was an unknown yet to play a professional game as he strove to emerge from the youth ranks at Old Trafford.
But he has seized his chance in remarkable fashion, scoring eight goals in 18 United appearances and helping the team win the FA Cup.
The goal was just Rashford’s fourth touch of the game, and he has now scored with his first shot in the Europa League, Premier League and on worldwide duty.
‘I hope he’ll train on Monday but if that’s the case the calf injury won’t be a reason for me to leave him out of the squad. “He’ll be a very big player for Manchester United and England”.
Hodgson’s words suggested he has found a talent he is keen to see more of but he offered no promises ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA deadline.
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“Nothing has changed there, and there will be two or three sleepless nights turning things over in my head before the final decision is made”.
