Sophia
England manager Thomas Tuchel has offered a frank assessment of Marcus Rashford’s recent performances, admitting the forward “struggles a bit” to deliver “wow” moments for the Three Lions. This candid admission comes in the wake of England’s less-than-convincing 2-0 victory over Andorra, a match where Rashford’s impact was notably subdued.
A Quiet Showing in Andorra
Despite England securing a win against Andorra, the performance left fans wanting more, particularly from key attacking players. Marcus Rashford, who has started all three games under Tuchel since his recall (missing June due to injury), is yet to find the back of the net in the new era. His display on Saturday drew concerns, adding to the pressure as he also navigates a new challenge on loan at Barcelona under manager Hansi Flick.
Tuchel’s Support, But Demands More
While acknowledging Rashford’s positive attitude and dedication in training, Tuchel did not shy away from highlighting the need for improved on-pitch results. “For me, he’s clearly a left winger. That’s where we played him today,” Tuchel stated, emphasizing his preferred role for the 27-year-old.
Tuchel elaborated on Rashford’s struggles during the Andorra game: “He had the freedom to go a bit more inside to play not only against the fifth defender in the back five, but to play maybe more inside against the third. I think the right side was a bit more active and found the positions a bit better. So I think he suffered from that today.”
Praise for Effort, Call for Impact
Despite the critical assessment of his match performance, Tuchel was quick to praise Rashford’s commitment. “He had an excellent training week, and it was obvious that we want him to start because he trained so well on the left side,” the manager revealed. “I can see that he tries. This is, for me, the most important, that he stays positive and he trains at the moment with the right attitude with a smile.”
However, the bottom line remained clear: “He struggles a bit with numbers and with ‘wow’ performance in an England shirt.” This direct feedback underscores the high expectations placed on a player of Rashford’s caliber, particularly for a national team aiming for top honors.
Barcelona Challenges and Future Prospects
Rashford’s current situation is multifaceted. Beyond his England duties, he is also fighting for a consistent starting spot at Barcelona, where he is on loan from Manchester United. Despite his versatility being a key factor in Barcelona’s interest, he has managed only one start this season, often finding himself behind Ferran Torres in the pecking order. While his initial outings covered a striker role, he has since reverted to his preferred left-wing position, aligning with Tuchel’s view of his strongest role.
The upcoming match against Serbia on Tuesday presents another crucial opportunity for Rashford to silence his critics and build momentum. As he seeks to regain his form, both for England and ahead of his return to Barcelona, all eyes will be on the 27-year-old to deliver the impactful performances he is known for.
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