Marcus Rashford lets his feet do the talking as England ease past Latvia in 3-0 win | OneFootball

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford produced an electric performance as England put three goals past Latvia in a World Cup qualifier on Monday evening.

England took the lead seven minutes before the break through Reece James, who brilliantly sent his free-kick effort into the top right corner of the Latvia goal.

The Three Lions dominated the match and had plenty of chances to extend their lead but they were forced to wait until the 68th minute to double their advantage, as skipper Harry Kane got on the end of a low-cross from Declan Rice to fire home from close range.

Substitute Eberechi Eze added the cherry on top as he picked up the ball outside, drove into the box, skipped past his man on the inside and sent it into the back of the net with his right foot.

While Rashford didn’t find the net, he was a constant threat throughout the game, with his most impactful moments coming in the first half.

He consistently took on his defender whenever the opportunity arose, and on multiple occasions, left him on the ground with impressive skill and footwork. Rashford – currently on loan at Aston Villa from United – delivered several fine balls inside the danger area and was certainly unlucky to have come out without a goal contribution.

Rashford especially combined well with Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham on the left side.

Following last week’s lacklustre display against Albania, England boss Thomas Tuchel challenged his wingers, Rashford and Phil Foden, to be more involved and influential. Rashford certainly answered the German coach’s call.

The Carrington academy graduate was on the pitch for 79 minutes before he was taken off and replaced by Curtis Jones.

Rashford touched the ball 69 times and found his teammates with 33 of the 40 passes he attempted (83% pass accuracy).

The 27-year-old created an impressive six chances – the most of any player across both teams.

He delivered 11 crosses, managing to connect three times. Rashford created one big chance and fired as many shots, although it was off target.

The forward won two of the eight ground duels he delved into and lost the one aerial challenge he contested. He put in one tackle.

It was certainly a much-improved performance from Rashford, whose resurgence since temporarily departing Old Trafford, seems to be continuing.

Chido Obi

Rashford was not the only United forward in action with their national team on Monday. Chido Obi started on the bench for Denmark U21’s 1-1 draw with Italy.

Oliver Sorensen put Denmark ahead, but Matteo Prati equalized roughly 15 minutes later. Despite Obi’s introduction with 19 minutes remaining, neither side could find a winner.

The 17-year-old touched the ball just four times and made one clearance.

All focus now turns to United’s season run-in, where he will be aiming for valuable minutes and, ideally, his first start for the club.

(Stats obtained from Sofascore)

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

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