Racing Post

Revitalised Rashford ready for big return

By Patrick Madden

AN underwhelming Nations League campaign this summer has left England’s defeat in last year’s Euro 2020 final feeling increasingly like the peak of Gareth Southgate’s tenure, rather than a springboard to World Cup glory.

England’s problems begin at the back. A combination of injuries and defensive players being badly out of form will be of huge concern to Southgate.

So what is the solution: will he place an emphasis on controlling games or batten down the hatches?

The chastening recent Nations League campaign, which included a 4- 0 home hhumbblili ng at t h e hah n dsd off Hungar y, suggests Southgate is likely to continue with his pragmatic approach in

Qatar.Q

To shore up his defence Southgate may opt to field two holding midfielders in front of three cental defenders. The selection of Kalvin Phillips, who has p l aye d ju s t 5 3 m i nu t e s o f football this season, is telling.

England’s fixtures could turn into a grind, especially in the group stage against the USA, Iran and Wales – all of whom would be happy with a point against the Three Lions.

A few months ago Marcus Rashford’s chances of being on the plane to Qatar looked speculative.

Short on confidence, Rashford wasn’t even selected by Southgate for this year’s Wo r l d C u p q u a l i f i e r s o r Nations League matches.

But the Manchester United man hash beenb resurgent underd Erik ten Hag, scoring seven times this season – two more than he managed in the entire 2021-22 season.

His pace on the break c o u l d ma k e

him a potent attacking weapon for the Three Lions and he looks a big price to top their scoring charts in a market dominated by Harry Kane.

Wales are appearing at their first World Cup finals since 1958 but it’s arguable that star turns GaretGth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are fading forces. Bale’s set--pieces still provide Wales witth their most potent goal thr eat and attacking focal pooint Kieffer Moore could bee the chief beneficiary.

The giant striker is having a decent season for Bournemmouth and could emerge as top scorer for Rob Pagge’s side.

If Waales progress to the knockouuts it will probably be as ruunners-up, and the betting suggests that Netherlands would then await them in thet last 16.

Wales wwere twice narrowly beaten by the Dutch in this year’s Natioons League – both times scorr i ng injur y- time equalisers bbefore going on to concede shoortly after.

They couuld take Louis van Gaal’s side tthe distance in any showdown bbut more heartache may await oon penalties.

ENGLAND & WALES SPECIALS EXPERT OPINION

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2022-11-17T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-11-17T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://racingpost.pressreader.com/article/281775633149131

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