It wasn’t long ago that Rashford’s place in both the Manchester United and England squads felt under serious threat. After a difficult start to the season, plagued by inconsistency and questions around his focus and form, many wondered whether his time as a guaranteed starter for club and country had come to an end. But as the business end of the season has arrived, so has Rashford’s best form — and the timing could not be more perfect.
Against Tuchel’s Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Rashford reminded Europe of his match-winning qualities. His blistering pace, direct running, and renewed sharpness in front of goal caused constant problems for Tuchel’s backline, leaving the German tactician visibly frustrated on the sidelines. For Tuchel, who has faced some of Europe’s elite attackers, Rashford’s performance was a stark reminder of the threat the England international brings when at full confidence.
Tuchel has long been an admirer of versatile forwards who can hurt teams in transition, and Rashford’s display would have only reinforced that admiration. After the match, when pressed on Rashford’s impact, Tuchel admitted, “When he is in this form, he is almost unplayable.” Those words ring loudly not just across Europe, but back home, where Southgate will surely be paying attention.
England boast an array of attacking options, but few possess Rashford’s unique skill set. His ability to operate on the left, cut inside with devastating effect, and stretch defenses with raw pace provides tactical flexibility that Southgate values highly. Add in Rashford’s big-game experience and his proven track record at international tournaments, and the case for his inclusion becomes compelling.
Tuchel’s Bayern were ultimately relieved to escape without greater damage from Rashford’s relentless running and creativity. And if a coach of Tuchel’s calibre can publicly acknowledge Rashford’s current level, it becomes increasingly difficult for England to overlook him. With the Euros fast approaching, form matters as much as reputation. Rashford, on current evidence, has both.
Ultimately, Rashford has reminded everyone — from rival managers like Tuchel to England’s own coaching staff — that a fit, firing Marcus Rashford remains one of the most dangerous forwards in world football. And if he continues at this level, Southgate may soon realise, like Tuchel already has, that leaving Rashford out of his plans is no longer an option.
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