‘It has all stemmed from doing the basic fundamentals of football – hard work and graft’: Rio Ferdinand hails Marcus Rashford’s stunning return to form as he praises the England star for brilliant two-goal display against Wales
- Rio Ferdinand hailed Marcus Rashford’ stunning return to form with England
- Rashford scored twice in Tuesday’s man-of-the-match display against Wales
- Ferdinand believes Rashford’s improvement comes from making football simple
- England progressed to the World Cup’s last 16 after their 3-0 victory in Group B
Rio Ferdinand believes Marcus Rashford has been able to rediscover his world class form after returning to the ‘basic fundamentals of football’ following a tumultuous 2021-22 season.
Rashford starred on the global stage with a stunning two-goal performance against Wales in the World Cup on Tuesday night as England’s safe passage through to the tournament’s last 16 was confirmed.
The 25-year-old marked his first national team start since Euro 2020 with a brilliant showing in the Middle East, as he opened the scoring with a powerful free-kick in the initial minutes of the second-half.
Marcus Rashford marked his return to the England line-up with a stunning performance
Rasford was awarded the man-of-the-match after scoring twice against Wales at the World Cup on Tuesday evening
He rounded off a terrific individual showing by assisting Phil Foden and bagging his second goal of the game as England scored their 100th World Cup goal. Rashford deservedly lifted the Man of the Match award after proceedings were concluded.
Rashford celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Wales
Former England and Man United defender Ferdinand hailed the Manchester-born winger for focusing on the basics and becoming a ‘gamechanger’ as Rashford proved his worth to Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
‘I think all of this stemmed from one element, working hard on the basics. He didn’t look happy for a while, when you have a smiling Marcus Rashford he is a devastating player and a gamechanger,’ Ferdinand said on BBC One.
‘One v one he looks scary, he can finish. It all stemmed from doing the basic fundamentals of football of hard work and graft. Big players in this tournament will be going wow look at Marcus Rashford.’
His two-goal outing at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium saw Rashford carry his fine form at club level with Man United – where he has scored eight goals this season – to the international stage, as England pressed on against a lacklustre Wales side.
Premier League all-time record goalscorer Alan Shearer echoed similar sentiments in his goal analysis after the game as he raved about Rashford’s ‘wonderful- free-kick, insisting that his stand-out performance has given Southgate options in attack.
Rashford (right) assisted Phil Foden (left) for the Man City wingers first World Cup goal
Rashford bagged his second of the night with a powerful strike amongst a crowded box
‘It was a wonderful strike, I was sat here saying hit it the goalkeeper’s side. The keeper is at fault here, it’s a wonderful strike.
‘There’s no point having a wall if you don’t trust it. Very good from Marcus but the keeper should do better.
‘Saka, Sterling, Grealish, so many options for the manager. When you get your opportunity you have to go out and perform and he did that. Great for us and fans,’ added Shearer.
Rio Ferdinand hailed Rashford’s performance after he returned to the ‘basic fundamentals of football’
