In a World Cup qualifying match on Monday night, England defeated Latvia by three goals thanks to an incredible performance by Marcus Rashford of Manchester United.
Seven minutes prior to halftime, Reece James gave England the lead with a superb free-kick that landed in the top right corner of the Latvian goal.The Three Lions controlled the game and had numerous opportunities to increase their lead, but they had to wait until the 68th minute to double their lead when Harry Kane, the captain, scored from close range after Declan Rice’s low cross.
The cherry on top was provided by substitute Eberechi Eze, who scooped up the ball outside, drove into the box, skipped by his man inside, and used his right foot to send it into the back of the net.
Rashford was a continual threat throughout the game, even if he failed to score. His most significant moments occurred in the first half.
With remarkable skill and footwork, he often left his defender on the ground after taking him on whenever the chance presented itself. Rashford, who is now on loan from United to Aston Villa, was unfortunate not to have contributed to a goal after delivering multiple excellent balls inside the danger area.
On the left side, Rashford particularly worked well with Jude Bellingham, a midfielder for Real Madrid.
After England’s lackluster performance against Albania last week, manager Thomas Tuchel pushed his wingers, Phil Foden and Rashford, to play a bigger role and exert greater influence. Undoubtedly, Rashford took the German coach’s call.
After 79 minutes on the field, the Carrington academy graduate was substituted by Curtis Jones.
Rashford made 69 touches with the ball and completed 33 of his 40 passes (83% pass accuracy) to his teammates.
The 27-year-old produced the most opportunities of any player on either team, with an outstanding six.
He connected three times while delivering eleven crosses. Rashford fired as many shots and created one big chance, but it missed the mark.
The forward lost the one aerial challenge he competed and won two of the eight ground duels he engaged in. He made one tackle.
Rashford, whose comeback since briefly leaving Old Trafford appears to be ongoing, gave a far better effort.