But he has now staked a strong claim for a place in England’s final 23-man squad for the European Championships in France.
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England’s Marcus Rashford, left, celebrates his goal with Raheem Sterling, during the worldwide friendly soccer match between England and Australia at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England, Friday, May 27, 2016.
England manager Roy Hodgson is hopeful that Daniel Sturridge will be fit for Euro 2016.
The England boss said: ‘You asked me before the game if I thought he would be up for it and would be able to deal with the situation and I think we got a resounding yes to that question and I’m really pleased for him.
“The subject of Marcus Rashford, I guess, will chop a few trees down tomorrow”.
“But I wasn’t surprised with the way he played”. “He would not be out of place in anyone’s 23”.
Hodgson, who has until May 31 to axe three players from his 26-man provisional squad, wouldn’t confirm Rashford had done enough to seal his seat on the flight to France.
“I don’t think it’s fitness dependant (with them)”, said Hodgson.
When an inexperienced team gives away an early goal its important that they show character, shrug off the disappointment and work themselves back into the game.
He is not involved in a straight head-to-head with Rashford, Hodgson potentially considering bringing all five strikers.
Assessing Sturridge’s status, Hodgson added: “He has a minor injury and we hope it will settle down”.
“He’ll be throwing his hat into the ring”. 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.
Marcus Rashford had a dream start to his England career, scoring inside three minutes of his first appearance for his country.
England did get the second goal on 55 minutes when Sterling broke clear down the left and then found the run of Rooney who picked up the ball and then hammered a rising strike into the roof of the net from the edge of the area.
A calf strain kept the oft-injured Sturridge out at the Stadium of Light and his teenage replacement shone on his global audition, volleying home impressively after just two minutes and 18 seconds.
“We wanted to give Eric a bit of a go at centre-back”.
“I’ve actually put him on the standby list, which he understands and accepts”.
Australia coach Ange Postecoglou was also very impressed with the performance of Rashford.
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“We’ll get better, there’s still moments we need to be more switched on but overall it was a real positive exercise for us”. “We didn’t have massive expectations and he worked hard and got himself into some good positions”, Postecoglou said.
