Mesmerising Marcus Rashford praised by BBC pundit as he follows in David Beckham’s footsteps
Marcus Rashford led England to a thumping victory over North Macedonia at Old Trafford.
England’s 4-0 win away at Malta was a win on cruise control last week. Now at home to North Macedonia, the Three Lions took the handbrake off and went full throttle.
The match finished with a one-sided 7-0 scoreline, with England able to make several changes with more than half an hour to go.
Marcus Rashford scored the third goal, becoming the first Manchester United player to score for England since David Beckham in 2001.
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Manchester United stars lead the way
Marcus Rashford played a role in England’s opener, combining with Manchester United teammate Luke Shaw down the left, who crossed the ball in for Harry Kane to score.
It was the type of goal United fans could get to watch at Old Trafford regularly next season, if only Daniel Levy was not so stubborn.
Bukayo Saka added a second, en route to scoring a hat-trick, before Rashford put England 3-0 up before half-time.
Rashford was praised by former Manchester United star Dion Dublin, who told BBC Sport he was impressed with the forward’s footwork.
He said: “Very good skill from Marcus [Rashford] again. It doesn’t matter how many you’ve got there defending against Marcus, he backs himself. Great bit of skill there.”
Dublin added that he was impressed with how Rashford combined with England’s top scorer, adding: “There have been loads of partnerships around the pitch. Marcus [Rashford] is in and around Harry Kane a lot.”
Rashford was substituted on 59 minutes, signing off after a long season.
England’s front three of Rashford, Kane and Saka was devastating, and will have made Gareth Southgate have even more regrets not unleashing the trio together in the World Cup quarter-final against France.
Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire did their jobs at the back, keeping a clean sheet, at a leisurely pace, as England move six points clear at the top of the group table in Euro 2024 qualifying.