Top News

Marcus Rashford starting for England at the World Cup? Just over 18 months ago, it would've been unthinkable for that to even be a genuine prospect. But with just over a month until the Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign, Rashford is being touted as a potential starter in Thomas Tuchel's team.

The winger has notched up 28 goal contributions across all competitions for Barcelona this season, having joined the La Liga outfit on loan from Manchester United. While his immediate future remains up in the air, with United and Barcelona said to be negotiating a potential permanent move, Rashford will soon turn his own attention to the World Cup.

He's pretty much a dead cert to be included in the squad, with Tuchel having taken a liking to him since joining as boss. But whether he can do enough to work his way into the starting XI for England's opening game against Croatia remains to be seen.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

It's a decision Tuchel will have to make over the coming weeks, but if it was left up to Express Sport readers, the answer would be yes... only just. When asked whether Rashford has done enough to start as England's left-winger, 57 per cent of voters said he should be given a starting berth.

Despite his impressive season with Barcelona, the other 43 per cent weren't convinced. Instead, they'd likely prefer to see another option, perhaps Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze or maybe even Phil Foden.

Tuchel has been full of praise for Rashford, even claiming the wide man could become one of the world's best players. Speaking earlier this year, the ex-Chelsea boss explained: "He can be one of the best in the world because the finishing and the quality I see in training, with both legs and his head, he is explosive, he is fast, he is strong in the air, so for him there are no limits.

"But the numbers don't reach the potential. He needs to push himself with goal involvements. He knows that from me. I think he still has to make these decisions. He is still young enough to make these decisions, because otherwise he might be disappointed in 10 years with what he could have been and what he may have done."

Following England's opener against Croatia on June 17, the 1966 winners will take on Ghana and then Panama. For the first time at the extended World Cup, the knockouts will begin with a round-of-32 stage.

Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!