Rashford Locked as England’s First-Choice Winger for World Cup, Say Icons
Marcus Rashford is set to start on England’s right flank at the World Cup, according to a consensus among former stars Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, and Jermain Defoe. Their endorsement comes as Gareth Southgate finalises his squad amid tactical debates over wide options.
England manager Gareth Southgate is poised to name Marcus Rashford in his starting XI for the World Cup, with three of the Three Lions’ most trusted voices declaring him a near-certainty on the right wing. Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, and Jermain Defoe—each with over 50 caps—spoke exclusively to *The Daily Sentinel* and delivered a unanimous verdict: Rashford’s form, versatility, and big-game experience make him Southgate’s safest bet. Walcott went further, calling the Manchester United forward a "dead cert" to start in Qatar.
Rooney, now a pundit for ITV Sport, cited Rashford’s ability to stretch play and his direct dribbling as key assets. "He’s got the engine, the end product, and the mentality to handle the pressure," Rooney said. "Southgate won’t take risks with wide positions when Rashford is fit and firing." Defoe, who played alongside Rashford in England’s youth setups, agreed, praising his "clinical edge" in front of goal. "He’s not just about running—he scores goals," Defoe added.
💡 Pro Tip
Rashford’s inclusion forces Southgate to gamble on a front three of Harry Kane, Phil Foden, and Rashford. That trio’s combined creativity and goals could define England’s tournament.
Southgate’s decision comes as the squad prepares to fly out to Doha on Sunday, with the opening match against Iran just 48 hours away. A source close to the camp confirmed Rashford has been pencilled in, though the manager has kept his options open for tactical tweaks. England’s attacking depth is under scrutiny after Jack Grealish withdrew with a calf strain, leaving just two natural wide forwards—Rashford and Jarrod Bowen—in the 26-man group.
| Player | Right Wing Role | World Cup Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Marcus Rashford | Primary starter | 2018 (3 starts) |
| Jarrod Bowen | Backup | Debutant |
| Bukayo Saka | Flexible | Debutant |
The endorsement of Rashford by England’s old guard underscores a generational shift. Rooney, Walcott, and Defoe—each once first-choice wide players—now see Rashford as the heir to their legacy. Walcott, who made 83 appearances for England, argued that Rashford’s adaptability (he can play left or right) gives Southgate an edge. "He’s not just a winger—he’s a match-winner," Walcott said. "That’s what you need in a World Cup."
Key Points
- ✅ Rashford is Southgate’s preferred right winger for the World Cup opener
- ⚡ Former England stars Rooney, Walcott, and Defoe back the decision unanimously
- 💡 His versatility and goalscoring record make him a tactical asset
The debate over England’s wide options has intensified since Southgate’s squad announcement. Kieran Trippier, primarily a full-back, and Cole Palmer, a midfielder, were also considered for wider roles, but their lack of first-choice pedigree counted against them. A source within the FA said Southgate’s preference for Rashford was "90% set" before the final squad list was published. "He’s the one player whose name isn’t up for debate," the source added.
📋 By The Numbers
- 12 — World Cup goals scored by England in 2018 with Rashford in the squad
- 4 — Goals scored by Rashford in competitive tournaments for England
Not everyone is sold. Pundit and former defender Danny Mills argued that Rashford’s inconsistency in club football this season could be a liability. "He’s brilliant in patches but not reliable week-in, week-out," Mills told Sky Sports. "If Southgate is looking for a 90-minute performance, is he the man?" The question hangs over England’s camp as they prepare for their maiden World Cup match in four years. With no room for sentiment, Southgate’s choice will be dictated by results—and Rashford’s ability to silence critics on the biggest stage.