Roy Keane backs Marcus Rashford for major England role with telling five-word verdict

On-loan Manchester United star Marcus Rashford started for England on Thursday evening as they beat Serbia in their penultimate World Cup qualifier against Serbia at Wembley Stadium

Roy Keane has claimed that Marcus Rashford should now be in the England starting XI instead of Anthony Gordon, stressing rival players “wouldn’t want to face him”.

Rashford fell out of favour when it came to the Three Lions over the past couple of years, with the Newcastle star usurping him in the pecking order. But following a bright start to life to his loan spell with Spanish giants Barcelona, the forward has found himself back in the England fold under Thomas Tuchel. Rashford started in his nation’s penultimate World Cup qualifier against Serbia at Wembley and impressed on the left-flank.

Former United star Keane believes Rashford’s form is good enough to see him retain his spot over Newcastle forward Gordon. Speaking on ITV Football, Keane said: “If you’re comparing the two of them, Rashford and Gordon at their very best, I’m going for Rashford.

“He (Rashford) can still frustrate you, of course, but he’s a threat and when he’s on top form he is a handful. You wouldn’t want to face him.”

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Speaking at half-time at Wembley, Keane added: “He’s been busy [against Serbia], he’s been lively, he’s made a couple of runs but he’s probably a little disappointed with his end product because he’s in great form and doing really well at Barcelona.

“His movement off the ball… He looks confident. Nice link up play on the left-hand side [with Nico O’Reilly]. He’s been a threat. But at the end of it, you want a bit more.”

Rashford’s display for England was one in a series of eye-catching performances for the forward across what has been an impressive season. The 28-year-old has six goals and nine assists in all competitions so far for Barcelona.

He will certainly be aiming to carry that form onto the international stage for England. Rashford’s last goal for the Three Lions came back in September in a 5-0 win against Serbia.

Who was England’s best player vs Serbia? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Speaking about his side’s latest outing, boss Thomas Tuchel said: “Yes, I liked it. It was difficult – sometimes a bit too open, sometimes we had to defend with everything we had, sometimes we needed a bit of luck to force them to shoot wide.

“It is good if everything is not as easy – so we had to wait very long until the decisive goal. Then to make it safe. That is good for us – the effort was good. First half I was very happy with the first half. In the second half we didn’t get the pressing always right.

“The game got a little too open because they escaped in a deep build-up against us and had fast attacks that we could completely control in the first half.

“Compliments to the back four. They had to work hard and be focused all the time. Serbia has individual qualities and is also a physical team. They came with a new energy, so well done.”

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