5 reasons why Gareth Southgate should start Marcus Rashford against Croatia

Modified Jul 11, 2018 11:56 GMT

Sweden v England : Quarter Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia — Rashford in action for the Three Lions in the match against Sweden

#1 His Partnership with his club mates

England v Costa Rica - International Friendly — Rashford and Lingard are close friends

Week in week out, Rashford has lined up at and away from Old Trafford, on the left side of the front 3, with Ashley Young behind him at left back and Lingard to his right in the middle. At Manchester United, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard link up very well together.

The same can be said about the understanding between him and Ashley Young. These 3 have played alongside each other for more than a couple of years now and know every intricate detail about the other’s style of play.

So Rashford will know when to track back to cover for Young and when to expect Lingard’s run from midfield. Just like Southgate is reaping the benefits of Dele Alli’s understanding with Harry Kane, Rashford's understanding with the other Red Devils in the team could be the missing piece of the English Coach's puzzle.

Whether he is on the pitch from the start or comes in later as a substitute, Gareth Southgate and the world knows that Marcus Rashford has the capabilities to make the Croatian defence worry.

It is now up to the England Coach to decide if Rashford is a calculated risk worth taking. In intense games like the one ahead, even a little bit of faith from a manager, a little pat on the back, could be the deciding factor.

Should Marcus Rashford start against Croatia? Have your say in the comments below

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Edited by Shambhu Ajith