The English squad had a double Man Utd contingent in their latest 1-0 win against New Zealand.
Thomas Tuchel used two line-ups, one for each half, and Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo started in the first half together.
Mainoo started with Jordan Henderson at the base of midfield, while Rashford started in a fluid front four that had both Ollie Watkins and Harry Kane starting.
It wasn’t the most fluid performance from England, but Man Utd fans would be pleased to know that of the 22 players who played for England, a Man Utd player was the best of the lot.
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National press rates Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford
It’s hard to take many learnings from a game where two different XIs played a half each, but pure quality still stands out.
Pure quality is what Rashford was in the first half, looking like the only threatening attacker on the pitch as the rest of his team huffed and puffed.
Harry Kane was the goalscorer, but Rashford created the most chances in the game (five), and had the most touches in the opposition box.
Mainoo, on the other hand, was tasked with creative duties to cover for Henderson’s limitations, and he did a fine job of it.
The Standard rated Rashford 7/10, saying that he was “England’s brightest spark” in the first half. Mainoo was rated 6/10 by them, praised for his “adventurous” passing as the more creative midfielder.
Express rated Rashford 8/10, adding that he outshone the other 21 players for England on the day, while Mainoo was rated 6/10 for “nice moments and ground duels”.
GOAL also rated Rashford 7/10, adding that he “looked very sure of himself”, while Mainoo received 6/10 for a “busy performance”.
Sporting News also called Rashford the brightest of the English forwards, but still rated him just 6/10, while Mainoo was rated even harsher at 5/10.
Rashford and Mainoo’s England status is clear now
England have one more friendly game, against Costa Rica, before they begin their World Cup.
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However, Rashford and Mainoo’s status looks largely clear, with Rashford a starter under Tuchel and Mainoo staying on the bench.
Ironically, Rashford will start over Anthony Gordon, who has taken his place at Barcelona in a move worth thrice what Rashford’s price tag is.
Mainoo, on the other hand, will lose his starting place to United target Elliot Anderson, who will start alongside Declan Rice.
From United’s perspective, they will just hope that neither player picks up an injury. Mainoo is a crucial part of United’s plans, while Rashford needs to be sold.
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