Rashford must occasionally ponder whether it was a good idea to sign that lengthy contract a few months ago as Manchester United stumbles from one problem to another.
Make no mistake, Rashford gets the deal of a lifetime at Old Trafford and it’s still a terrific place to be. Rashford may have envied Kane and Bellingham over the past week or so, given the two have been enjoying celebrity at clubs that still have the glitz that United is rapidly losing.
But Southgate must hope Rashford stays happy at his club, that his confidence doesn’t wane, and that he continues to be as driven and enthusiastic as ever. Southgate wants him to arrive at every England camp in that manner.
There should be no question that Rashford is a major difference-maker for this England squad when he is at his best. He was undoubtedly present at Hampden Park that evening as Southgate’s lauded attacking ability displayed a wide range of moves, especially in the first half when they threatened to completely demolish the helpless Scots.
Rashford is a member of an England team that appears more potent and frightening, as many experts predicted would be the case at Qatar 2022. The secret to England’s relative success lies in the flexibility of their attacking choices. They are the leading scorers in the European Championship qualifying, which explains why.
Apart from Kane, Southgate cannot promise anyone a starting position because he has so many different combinations at his disposal. After this, it almost seems incomprehensible that Southgate would not make Phil Foden a regular starter.
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Never mind the debates about whether or not he can play a key part, never mind where Pep Guardiola thinks his best place should be, and for that matter, never mind where Southgate thinks it should be. Foden is capable of playing and excelling wherever in front of the backline on the field.
His finish for England’s opening goal was impudent, which was indicative of his entire game. Look again at the lengthy build-up to that goal, though, and you’ll see Rashford’s quick pass and the United player’s diagonal sprint that converted his opponents like traffic cones.
But Rashford’s arsenal goes far beyond directness and speed, and much of it was on display in Glasgow. He demonstrated the no-look reverse pass, which is one of his underappreciated skills.
He ought to claim that spot for himself, just like he ought to have done against France in the World Cup quarterfinal. Southgate rested Rashford after clubmate Harry Maguire had given Scotland a chance to go back into the match. It deserved to happen.
It’s back to Old Trafford now, where the gloom always looms large. But at least they have Rashford, who is a shining star for both England and Manchester United.