Marcus Rashford kept his place in the England starting line-up for their Round of 32 clash against DR Congo.
Anthony Gordon started England’s first two games at the 2026 World Cup, but Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford was the preferred option for both wins over Panama and DR Congo.
England conceded the opening goal in the 7th minute as Brian Cipenga’s goal put DR Congo ahead, but the Three Lions turned the game on its head in the second half.
A brace from Harry Kane secured England a place in the last 16 at the World Cup.
Is this a little harsh on Marcus Rashford? Do you feel the same way?
National press criticises Marcus Rashford’s display against DR Congo
Although Rashford started against DR Congo, the 28-year-old failed to make the impact he would have wanted.
Thomas Tuchel decided to replace Rashford after 60 minutes, with Barcelona’s new signing Gordon coming off the bench.
Rashford failed to impress the national press as he was hooked after the hour mark.
The Sun rated him 4/10, despite forcing his former teammate Aaron Wan-Bissaka to clear the ball off the line.
The Mirror gave Rashford a slightly higher rating, of 5/10, but noted how he struggled to impact the game from the start again.
There was slightly more praise for Rashford from BBC Sport, noting ‘flashes’ of quality but not enough. That earned the United winger a 5/10 rating.
The Independent gave Rashford 6/10 for the drive he brought to the left flank and spinning DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba in the second half.
Finally, The Express gave Rashford a rating of 4/10, describing his execution as “diabolical”. The newspaper also stated that it was Tuchel’s mistake to start him in the Wednesday night game.
It was a tough night for Rashford, but England is still competing at the World Cup. He hopes that it’s not his last start at the tournament.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- The highest rating (6/10) Marcus Rashford got from the national press after England’s 2-1 win over DR Congo came from The Independent
- The Sun and The Express scored Rashford 4/10 for his 60-minute display
- It remains to be seen if Rashford will start against Mexico in the round of 16
What is your message for Amad Diallo after suffering elimination from the World Cup with the Ivory Coast?
Amad came off the bench to score against Norway, but it wasn't enough to secure a place in the last 16. 🇨🇮❌
Anthony Gordon’s impact against DR Congo doesn’t bode well for Marcus Rashford
Gordon has already got the better of Rashford by securing a permanent move to Barcelona this summer.
United and Michael Carrick are in limbo as a result, but Rashford will be concerned that he could lose his place in the England team for the Round of 16 clash against Mexico.
Gordon came on after the hour mark and recorded two assists for Kane’s match-winning brace.
The Barcelona winger touched the ball 34 times in his half-hour cameo, but he also made two interceptions to help England retain possession.
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