Marcus Rashford's Fitness Concern Ahead of World Cup Clash

Marcus Rashford has emerged as an early fitness concern for England ahead of their World Cup clash with Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, just as his international form flickered back into life.

The Manchester United forward came off the bench to light up the 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday, scoring England’s fourth and producing the kind of direct, ruthless display that has long made him a crowd favourite. But the performance came at a cost.

Rashford, 28, reported tightness in his hamstring and glute area after the game and was absent from a behind-closed-doors practice match against Sporting Kansas City, which the Three Lions won 5-1. He watched on while the rest of the substitutes were put through their paces in two 25-minute halves.

For the England manager, it is an unwelcome question mark at precisely the wrong time. Rashford is pushing hard to start against Ghana, aiming to dislodge Barcelona’s new signing Anthony Gordon, who got the nod from the outset against Croatia. The United man replaced Gordon in the 72nd minute and immediately shifted the tempo, driving at defenders and stretching the game as England produced a far sharper second-half display.

His late goal, lashed home to cap the 4-2 victory, was his 19th for his country in 73 appearances and his first in nine international outings. It felt significant, a reminder of his cutting edge on the biggest stage. Now the focus turns to whether his body will allow him to build on it.

The squad have been handed a day off in Kansas, with the manager and his staff keen for players to decompress with friends and family who have travelled to the United States. Some have stayed back at the team hotel to recover and refocus, fully aware that a win over Ghana could secure qualification with a game to spare.

Behind the scenes, the competition for places sharpened. Ivan Toney delivered a statement of his own in the training match against Sporting Kansas City, hitting a hat-trick as England’s fringe players seized their chance. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins were also on target in the 5-1 victory, underlining the depth of attacking options waiting in reserve.

Eberechi Eze, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Kobbie Mainoo and Jarell Quansah all featured in the workout, giving valuable minutes to those who did not start against Croatia and keeping the internal pressure high on the established names.

England’s staff will now monitor Rashford closely, hoping the tightness eases in time for him to train tomorrow and stake his claim to start in Boston. After finally ending his goal drought for his country, the winger has put himself back in the frame.

The only question now is whether his hamstring lets him stay there.