Marcus Rashford scored for England in their World Cup opener against Croatia but complained of muscle tightness at the end of Wednesday’s game in Dallas
Marcus Rashford (Image: (Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images))
Marcus Rashford has given England a fitness scare ahead of their World Cup clash with Ghana. The forward complained of muscle tightness at the end of England’s win over Croatia as he also appeared to be feeling his hamstring.
The Manchester United man, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona, came on as a late substitute, and his electric pace helped him score a fourth goal to seal the win over Croatia. However, it is hoped that Rashford did not suffer any major issue ahead of England’s next Group match with Ghana in Boston on Tuesday.
But clearly they will be taking care of England players in the quick turnaround of a tournament, especially as they have all been training and playing in different weather conditions, which may have resulted in several complaining of cramp.
Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel has spoken about the value of his wingers – and particularly how there can be starters and “finishers” to come on from the bench.
Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon started against Croatia, with Bukayo Saka and Rashford coming on in the closing stages to great effect.
Tuchel plans to use them in a similar fashion through the tournament and also said that Saka is closer to full match fitness now after an Achilles issue.
Tuchel said after the game: “Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready. I think once we go to the last game of this group he will be ready. He was strong in training in small spaces. It was just a matter of if the game was open and he was up and down.”
While on Rashford, Tuchel said after the win on Wednesday: “He struggled for us to be decisive when he started, but he was always trying and got a bit unlucky for a long time.
“We just had a talk [on Tuesday] where I told him that I’m very, very impressed with his last 16 days – how he was in camp, how he pushes on the field.”
Meanwhile, England’s players have been given a full day off on Friday and have been told they can relax with WAGs, friends and loved ones as they please, reports the Mirror.
Several families were at the Croatia game in Dallas and saw the players afterwards while they have also been allowed to see the stars in camp in Kansas City.
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2026-06-19 20:10:32
