Manchester United and England player Marcus Rashford could now be on the verge of reaching a long-awaited World Cup final with the Three Lions.
The 28-year-old former Barcelona star climbed back into the England national team during the 2024-25 campaign after his rediscovery of form at Aston Villa.
Marcus Rashford has remained in contention for the England set-up under Thomas Tuchel, who included the Manchester United forward in his World Cup squad.
However, Rashford has been in and out of the starting XI at the World Cup this summer and it has raised questions over his eligibility for a winner’s medal.
Is this a little harsh on Marcus Rashford? Do you feel the same way?
Marcus Rashford’s World Cup knockout time would not hold him back from collecting a winner’s medal
Marcus Rashford has only featured once for England during the knockout rounds ahead of the Three Lions’ semi-final encounter with Argentina at the World Cup.
The former Aston Villa and Barcelona player played 61 minutes for the Three Lions in their stunning 2-1 win over DR Congo in the World Cup’s round of 32.
However, Rashford was left on the bench for England’s subsequent 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico in the round of 16 and 2-1 victory over Norway in the quarter-finals.
Despite his limited playing time in the knockout rounds, Rashford would be eligible for a World Cup winner’s medal, irrespective of the number of matches played.
Just like Man Utd teammate Kobbie Mainoo, FIFA’s official regulations outline that every player in a World Cup-winning squad would receive a medal after the final.
Gold medals are presented to each player in a post-final ceremony, meaning Rashford could collect his major honour if England went the full distance.
Marcus Rashford evidently does not want to return to Man Utd – There is no way back for him surely?!
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Marcus Rashford will have to seize a big opportunity against Argentina if Thomas Tuchel turns to the England star
England boss Thomas Tuchel is expected to rely on Barcelona summer signing Anthony Gordon ahead of Rashford for the semi-final clash on Wednesday evening.
Anthony Gordon started in England’s wins over Mexico and Norway in the knockout rounds and the 25-year-old winger is tipped to play a starring role again for his side.
Rashford had been used a lot more by Tuchel during the beginning of the World Cup, including featuring in all three Group L fixtures in this summer’s tournament.
The Man Utd talent came off the bench against both Croatia and Ghana before Rashford received his first start for England at the tournament against Panama.
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