Soccer
Desperate Rashford could be England's World Cup difference-maker
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Marcus Rashford arrives at the 2026 World Cup in an unusual position.
At 28, he should be firmly established as one of Europe's leading forwards. Instead, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining where his club career heads next.
His long-term future remains uncertain, with neither Manchester United nor Barcelona appearing fully convinced he is part of their plans moving forward.
For perhaps the first time in his career, Rashford enters a major tournament with his reputation, as well as England's hopes, on the line.
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That could be exactly what England need.
Rashford caught the eye in England's 1-0 warm-up victory over New Zealand last weekend. While Harry Kane grabbed the winner, it was Rashford's direct running and willingness to attack defenders that stood out. He looked sharp, confident and eager to make an impact whenever he got on the ball.
Those qualities have always been his greatest strengths.
Even during the more frustrating periods of his career, Rashford has remained one of England's most dangerous players in transition. Few attackers in the international game can match his combination of pace, power and ability to carry the ball over long distances. When matches become stretched, he can change the complexion of a game in seconds.
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The problem has never been talent. It has been consistency.
Three years ago, Rashford produced the finest campaign of his career, scoring 30 goals for Manchester United and looking every inch a world-class forward. Since then, however, he has struggled to maintain those levels. A move to Barcelona offered an opportunity to reset and rebuild, but it has not delivered the clarity or security that many expected.
As a result, Rashford heads into this tournament knowing that clubs across Europe will be watching closely.
His wages mean any potential transfer represents a significant commitment. Interested clubs will want evidence that the explosive, match-winning Rashford still exists. There is no bigger stage on which to provide that evidence than a World Cup.
England could become the beneficiaries.
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Tournament football often rewards players with something to prove. Rashford has been in this position before. At the 2022 World Cup, after a difficult spell at club level, he responded with three goals and some of his most impressive performances in an England shirt. Freed from expectation, he played with confidence and conviction.
There is a similar opportunity here.
Much of the attention surrounding England focuses on Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Kane. Rashford enters the competition with less pressure but arguably greater personal motivation. That combination can be dangerous.
Thomas Tuchel's side possess plenty of technical quality, but major tournaments are often decided by moments of individual brilliance. A burst of acceleration, a defender beaten one-on-one, a counter-attack executed at speed. These are situations in which Rashford remains one of England's most potent weapons.
The uncertainty surrounding his club future is not ideal from a personal perspective. Yet from England's point of view, it may create the perfect conditions for Rashford to thrive.
A player with pace, experience and a point to prove can be a powerful asset at any tournament. If Rashford channels that hunger in the right way, England could find themselves with an invaluable difference-maker just when they need one most.
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