England aces stunned by Rashford move before Mexico World Cup clash | Football | Sport
And while completing their final preparations at Club Universidad Nacional in Mexico City, where England are attempting to adjust to the altitude, Rashford left Thomas Tuchel’s squad amazed. The 28-year-old, who enjoyed a loan spell at Barcelona last season, produced some exceptional skill during a rondo. After receiving the ball from John Stones, Rashford flicked it up into his control and released it with a swift touch to find Morgan Rogers with his pass. Importantly, he nutmegged Ezri Konsa as the Aston Villa defender lunged in, desperately trying to win possession.
Rashford erupted in laughter at what he had just executed, while Jarell Quansah, Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Dan Burn immediately placed their hands on their heads, as Djed Spence could only shield his mouth. England skipper Kane eventually collapsed to the ground in fits of laughter, while Rashford marched away doing exactly the same.
After belatedly shutting his legs, Konsa simply sprinted away. Despite the responses from England’s players, it appears they won’t be overly shocked by Rashford’s behaviour. Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has previously observed that Rashford simply cannot help himself when it comes to embarrassing a defender. “I have to say Rashy, Rashy is very good at the rondos,” he said.
“He hardly ever goes in, and every time I’ve been in the box he has to nutmeg someone, at least one person,” while Jordan Henderson also remarked: “Rashy will probably get the most megs.”
Rice likewise heaped praise on the Manchester United academy graduate: “Rashford is very good in the box, he’s just so smooth with it, his feet are so sharp. He finds little pockets to pass into.”
Rashford has featured in England’s previous two fixtures against Panama and DR Congo, and will be hoping to keep his place for a third consecutive outing. He is battling Anthony Gordon for the left-wing berth.
England’s squad were forced to endure drumming and fireworks outside their hotel on Saturday evening, though Tuchel refuses to let that serve as an excuse. Speaking prior to the disturbance, Tuchel emphasised there would be an opportunity for the squad to catch up on rest.
He said: “We had no issues tonight and I think Fifa took care of the situation. We have security around the hotel so we expect a good night’s sleep. I don’t want to talk about problems that don’t exist yet. If they come, we will accept them. The best way to approach is to be relaxed and calm. We have a six o’clock kick-off, so if we miss some hours of sleep, we will have time to get some other hours in the late morning.
“What I experienced until now was very respectful and emotional and very supportive towards our teams, so we are very respectful towards everyone. We expect to be treated with respect and that was the case. It was even nicer than I expected.”
