Marcus Rashford scored England’s fourth goal in their World Cup opener against Croatia, but complained of a muscle strain at the end of Wednesday’s match in Dallas.
Marcus Rashford suffered an injury scare late in England’s win over Croatia (Image: Eddie Keogh/The FA)
Marcus Rashford has given England a fitness scare ahead of their World Cup clash with Ghana.
Rashford complained of a muscle strain after England’s win over Croatia and appeared to be feeling pain in his hamstring. The England winger came on as a late substitute and used his incredible speed to score the fourth goal, sealing the win against Croatia.
It is hoped that Rashford will not have any major problems ahead of England’s next group match against Ghana in Boston on Tuesday.
However, it is clear that they will look after England’s players in the quick development of the tournament, especially as they have all been training and playing in different weather conditions and several may have complained of cramps as a result.
England national team manager Thomas Tuchel talked about the value of wingers, especially how there can be starting players and “finishers” who come off the bench.
Against Croatia, Noni Maduke and Anthony Gordon started, with Bukayo Saka and Rashford coming on in the closing stages to great effect.
Tuchel plans to use Saka in a similar manner throughout the tournament, adding that he is now nearing full match fitness after overcoming an Achilles problem.
Coach Tuchel said after the match: “Bukayo is ready and will continue to prepare even more. I think he will be ready if we go to the final game of this group. He was strong in training in small spaces. It was a question of whether the game was open and he would rise or fall.”
Meanwhile, England players will be given a full day off on Friday and are said to be able to relax as much as they like with their WAGs, friends and loved ones.
Several families attended the game against Croatia in Dallas, watched the players after the game, and were also allowed to see the star players in camp in Kansas City.
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