Marcus Rashford's Injury Concern Ahead of World Cup Match

Marcus Rashford has emerged as an early World Cup worry for England after feeling hamstring discomfort in the wake of his explosive cameo against Croatia.

The Manchester United forward came off the bench in Dallas on Wednesday and changed the tempo of the game, capping a sharp, direct display with England’s fourth goal in a 4-2 win. It was a reminder of his cutting edge on the big stage – and a timely one. That strike was his 19th in 73 caps, but his first England goal in nine internationals.

The high did not last long.

After the match, Rashford, 28, reported pain in the hamstring/glute area and sat out a behind-closed-doors training game on Thursday against Sporting Kansas City, which England won 5-1. While the rest of the substitutes topped up their minutes with two 25-minute halves, Rashford watched on, an ice-cold concern in an otherwise warm Kansas evening.

England staff will now monitor him closely ahead of Tuesday’s Group game against Ghana in Boston. The hope is that the issue is minor and that he can return to full training tomorrow, but any hint of a muscular problem in a tournament environment sends a shiver through a camp.

The stakes are obvious. Rashford is pushing hard to start that Ghana fixture, battling Barcelona new signing Anthony Gordon for a place on the left. Gordon got the nod from the start against Croatia, yet it was Rashford, introduced in the 72nd minute, who ripped into tired legs and helped tilt the contest decisively England’s way.

His performance has reopened the selection debate. His fitness will decide whether it continues.

For now, the intensity eases. The squad have been given a day off to spend time with friends and family who have travelled to Kansas, with some players choosing to stay back at the team hotel to focus on recovery and preparation. The break comes with England well placed: a win over Ghana in Boston could seal qualification for the knockout stages.

While Rashford rested, others seized their chance in the low-key run-out against Sporting Kansas City. Ivan Toney produced the headline act, hitting a hat-trick to underline his credentials as England’s alternative centre-forward option. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins also found the net, sharpening competition across the front line.

There was valuable action too for Eberechi Eze, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Kobbie Mainoo and Jarell Quansah, all involved as those who did not feature against Croatia banked important minutes.

England leave Kansas with goals flowing, confidence rising and depth on display. All that remains is the answer to one pressing question: will Marcus Rashford be fit enough to turn his Croatia spark into a starting role against Ghana in Boston?