Former Wales international Dean Saunders has hailed Marcus Rashford as “the best young player in Britain” after the attacker featured for England at Euro 2016 yesterday.
Rashford, who enjoyed a superb breakthrough season at Manchester United, featured as a substitute as England came from behind to beat Wales 2-1 and take control of Group B. With his involvement against Wales today,With his involvement against Wales today, Rashford became the youngest player to ever represent the Three Lions in a European Championship fixture.
Speaking on BBC Sport post-match, Saunders said: “The two players he put on are two of the best strikers in the best league in the world- (Daniel) Sturridge and (Jamie) Vardy, who are on fire. Rashford’s the best young player in Britain at the minute, and he’s been able to bring him on as well.”
Rashford kept the ball well following his introduction, with the prospect registering a pass completion rate of 89%. It was England’s two other substitutes- Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge- who made the biggest impact, with both players getting on the scoresheet as Roy Hodgson’s side secured a potentially crucial win.
Hodgson elected to include Rashford in his squad for the tournament despite the youngster’s limited experience, but the prospect looked at ease on the big stage this afternoon, following on from his international debut, when he scored an early goal against Australia.
It will be intriguing to see whether Rashford has a further part to play in the tournament, with the 18-year-old hoping to receive further game-time against Slovakia on Monday in England’s final group stage fixture.
England’s prospects of progressing to the knockout stages of the tournament now appear far brighter than they did previously; indeed there is a possibility that Hodgson’s side could make it through to the Last 16 before they play again if other results go in their favour.
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