Marcus Rashford Injury Concern Ahead of World Cup Clash with Ghana
Marcus Rashford has emerged as an early injury concern for England ahead of their World Cup clash with Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, casting a shadow over what should have been a feelgood few days in camp.
The Manchester United forward lit up England’s 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday, coming off the bench to help turn a tense group game into a statement victory. Introduced in the 72nd minute in place of Barcelona’s new signing Anthony Gordon, Rashford injected pace, direct running and menace into a much-improved second-half display, capping his cameo with England’s fourth goal.
It was a landmark strike of sorts: his 19th goal in 73 appearances for his country, but his first for England in nine internationals. A drought snapped, the swagger seemingly back, the timing perfect as he pushed his case to start the next game.
Then came the sting.
After the match, Rashford reported tightness and pain in the hamstring and glute area. England’s medical staff moved quickly, and while there has been no official diagnosis, the concern is serious enough that the 28-year-old played no part in Thursday’s practice game for the substitutes against Sporting Kansas City.
England won that behind-closed-doors run-out 5-1, with Ivan Toney helping himself to a hat-trick, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins adding further goals. Eberechi Eze, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Kobbie Mainoo and Jarell Quansah were also involved as those who sat out the Croatia win topped up their minutes in two 25-minute halves.
Rashford, conspicuous by his absence, watched on.
The England manager will hope the issue proves nothing more than a scare. With all players granted a day off in Kansas to spend time with friends and family, the plan is for Rashford to be assessed again when the squad reconvenes, with the hope he can return to training tomorrow.
The timing could not be more delicate. England’s meeting with Ghana in Boston offers the chance to seal qualification with a game to spare. It also looked like the ideal platform for Rashford to reclaim a starting role, building on the explosive impact he made against Croatia and challenging Gordon, who was initially preferred from the start in Dallas.
Gordon has the shirt for now. Rashford, on form, threatens to take it. That battle may now be decided by the physios rather than the manager.
Some players chose to stay back at the team hotel on their day off, keeping routines tight and minds clear ahead of a fixture that could define the group. Others took the opportunity to switch off with their families, encouraged by Thomas Tuchel’s desire to keep the mood relaxed and the environment human in the middle of a high-pressure tournament.
Behind the calm exterior, though, one question will nag at England’s staff over the next 48 hours: will Marcus Rashford be fit enough to turn one brilliant cameo into a starting role when it matters most?
