England traveled to Leeds for its World Cup send-off match against Costa Rica Thursday, and 20-year-old Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford wasted no time in delighting a capacity crowd at Elland Road.
Rashford was just a 16-year-old when Costa Rica and England played to a 0-0 draw in Belo Horizonte back in 2014 (England were already eliminated at that point following defeats to Italy and Uruguay), but the Mancunian played like a man possessed to open the proceedings today.
A Ronaldinho-esque elastico was his first contribution of note, and that was quickly followed by his third international goal — a dipping, swerving thump from nearly 25 yards out that left heralded Costa Rican keeper Keylor Navas absolutely no chance.
Rashford is cookin'pic.twitter.com/ldJ27YxkpO
— The18 (@the18com) June 7, 2018
Oh my Marcus Rashford!
We told you he was ready for the FIFA World Cup... pic.twitter.com/jhilgBiGsw— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 7, 2018
Rashford has consistently shown up for England despite his tender age. He broke Wayne Rooney’s record as the youngest ever player to represent England at the European Championships back in 2016, and his four-minute cameo against Iceland in the Round of 16 was really the only positive from a Three Lions perspective.
The 20-year-old showed continued improvement for United this past season, scoring 13 goals from 52 appearances in all competitions, including seven in the Premier League.
He’s an exciting option for Gareth Southgate off the bench in Russia, although his direct play makes him an intriguing prospect to start against the likes of Tunisia and Panama.
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