Sam Allardyce says Marcus Rashford has not done enough to be in England’s World Cup side
Striker scored stunning goal and starred as Three Lions beat Costa Rica but ex-England boss Allardyce claims that is not enough to be in the starting eleven against Tunisia
SAM ALLARDYCE says Marcus Rashford's starring display against Costa Rica is not enough for him to be in England's World Cup starting line-up.
Rashford scored a stunning goal and produced his best ever performance in international football as England finished their Russia 2018 preparations with a 2-0 win over the South American side on Thursday.
The Manchester United star's impact has seen him stake a claim to be in Gareth Southgate's side to face Tunisia in the opening match at the World Cup on June 18.
But ex-Three Lions boss Allardyce believes it was not enough to force Southgate to pick the 20-year-old for the big match in Volgograd.
Asked if Rashford had done enough to get the nod, Allardyce told : “Er, probably not, no.
“If Gareth is thinking about rotation, using the full strength and depth of his squad, I think he [Rashord] will come in in the group stages and start a game.
“Looking at all the changes Gareth made to the team yesterday, and I know it wasn’t big opposition but given how well they performed, I don’t think he’ll pick the same XI for all three group games.
“I think he’ll use a rotation system, which is very important if you’re going to go a long way in the World Cup.”
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England boss Southgate admits the displays of several of his players have given him plenty to think about as he ponders his starting side to face Tunisia.
Harry Kane is a certainty to lead the attack, but the other forward slots are up for grabs and Rashford's display has seen him rival Raheem Sterling for a role a week on Monday.
Southgate said: "If the last few games have complicated it, then it’s in a really good way.
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"We know certain decisions we need to make, we need options, we have seemed to have got through the two games without any serious injuries.
"We have to have players that can come in and change matches, when we are chasing games, and when we need to shut games down.
"I am really pleased with the three weeks’ preparations. We have given ourselves a really good platform.”