News Focus
- Theo Walcott describes Marcus Rashford as the England player he is ‘most psyched about’ for the upcoming World Cup
- Rashford has scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists during a revitalising loan spell with La Liga champions Barcelona
- The forward impressed on his return to the England side, starting in Saturday’s 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand
- Barcelona must decide by 15 June whether to sign Rashford permanently from Manchester United for £26 million
- Wayne Rooney believes Rashford could have broken his scoring record at Old Trafford had he remained at the club
Former England star Theo Walcott has urged Thomas Tuchel to name Marcus Rashford in his starting eleven for the World Cup. Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Walcott described the forward as ‘outstanding’ and said he would be a ‘dead cert’ to play.
Rashford returned to international football this year after a 12-month absence. He missed Euro 2024 under former manager Gareth Southgate and did not wear the Three Lions shirt between March 2024 and 2025.
German coach Tuchel recalled the 28-year-old, who has since featured in every England squad except one in June 2025 due to a hamstring problem. A loan move to Barcelona has transformed his career, with Rashford netting 14 goals and creating 14 more in 47 appearances for the Spanish champions.
The Manchester United academy graduate started Saturday’s 1-0 victory against New Zealand at Wembley. He created five chances during the first half before Tuchel substituted all eleven players at the break. Walcott praised Rashford’s bravery for moving abroad and said the winger’s freedom and enjoyment on the pitch make him essential for the tournament.
Club legend Wayne Rooney joined Walcott on the show alongside Jermain Defoe. Rooney expressed sadness that Rashford left United, noting he had the talent to break the goal-scoring record at his boyhood club. However, he admitted the change of scenery was necessary after the forward’s form declined at Old Trafford.
Rashford’s future remains uncertain. Barcelona have until 15 June – just two days before England open their World Cup campaign against Croatia – to activate a £26 million clause and make his transfer permanent.
Defoe believes England’s squad is stronger because of recent trophy wins. Several players, including Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka plus Aston Villa’s Europa League winners, bring winning experience to the camp. Defoe said this success means the team can approach the World Cup with genuine confidence.
Rooney admitted he was shocked by some of Tuchel’s squad decisions, particularly the omissions of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire. Despite this, he insisted fans must trust the manager’s judgement as England chase their first World Cup triumph since 1966.
Tuchel hopes to become the first manager since Sir Alf Ramsey to lift the trophy. Walcott and Rooney both believe the squad has the quality to end the 60-year wait, provided they receive luck and strong leadership.