Watch: Gareth Southgate gave Marcus Rashford a standing ovation after England forward continued his renaissance by sending his country into the World Cup last 16 with a double in their 3-0 win over Wales on Tuesday.
Gareth Southgate gave Marcus Rashford a standing ovation after England forward continued his renaissance and scored twice against Wales on Tuesday to send his country into the World Cup quarterfinals.
Rashford’s superb free kick at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium gave England a chance to play Senegal in the last 16 on Sunday.
It was an emotional night for Rashford, who celebrated one of his goals by pointing to the sky in honor of a friend who had recently passed away. Phil Foden then doubled England’s lead just seconds later, and Rashford scored again to ensure that Gareth Southgate’s team won Group B.
“A few days ago, I lost one of my friends. His battle with cancer lasted quite some time. I’m happy I scored for him because he was a big fan and a good friend of mine. Rashford stated, “He was someone who came into my life.”
After the game, Southgate found out why Rashford was celebrating, but the sincere tribute only increased his admiration for the 25-year-old player.
After missing a penalty kick in England’s penalty shootout loss to Italy in the European Championship final last year, Rashford was slammed by some fans.
In the immediate aftermath of the Wembley defeat, the Manchester United star received racist abuse on social media. He was one of three England players who failed to score their penalty in that agonizing shootout.
Last season, Rashford’s performance for United plummeted dramatically, and for a time, it appeared that he might be sold.
However, Rashford has been revitalized by United manager Erik ten Hag since taking over at the close of the season, and Rashford’s club performance had been impressive prior to the World Cup.
“For him, it’s been a challenge. In the summer, I visited him.”I talked to him for a long time,” Southgate stated.
“He had clear ideas about the things he needed to think about. His performances have clearly reflected his club’s happiness.
“In our training, you can see that. The player we had at the Euros last year is completely different from the one we have now. It’s fantastic for both him and us.”
Milkshake celebration: Rashford made his World Cup debut in place of Raheem Sterling. He has scored three goals in the tournament, including one as a substitute in Iran’s 6-2 defeat.
Rashford and Phil Foden, both making their tournament debuts, helped break open Wales’ dense defense, putting an end to England’s frustration over their drab goalless draw with the United States in their previous match.
Southgate was encouraged as he looked ahead to the latter stages of the World Cup by the fact that England has scored the most goals in the group stages of a major tournament with nine goals thus far.
“It’s opposition for places. That is what we require, and individuals must deliver,” he stated.
“Those kinds of choices are what you want. Depth requires strength. It’s hard because there are players who didn’t play, and they will be disappointed, but the spirit in the locker room was great afterward.”
Southgate recognized Britain will expect to beat Senegal in the principal meeting between the nations, yet he advised against misjudging them.
“We are aware that we will be the favorites in the rankings. That’s something we have to deal with, but we’re playing a very dangerous team,” he said.
“Most of the people are familiar to us. (Some significant players are currently playing in Europe’s major leagues.
In a nation where alcohol is largely outlawed, Southgate’s immediate concern was how his players would celebrate their victory.
“We have heaps of milkshakes back at the lodging!”He stated: We are having fun with each other. The big business really starts now.”