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Rashford makes dream debut

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Rashford makes dream debut

Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring the first goal for England.

Sunderland - Marcus's meteoric rise is starting to resemble the memorable performances delivered by both Owen and Rooney early in their England careers

Published: Sat 28 May 2016, 6:03 PM

Updated: Sun 29 May 2016, 12:58 AM

  • By
  • AFP

Roy Hodgson insisted Marcus Rashford's dream debut for England came as no surprise after the Manchester United sensation staked his claim for a Euro 2016 place with a record-breaking strike in a 2-1 win over Australia.
England manager Hodgson had claimed the world would be watching to see if Rashford could cope with the pressure of what amounted to a one-game audition for a place in his final squad for the Euros.
And Rashford took just 135 seconds to deliver an emphatic response as the teenage striker's lethal volley opened the scoring in Friday's Euro 2016 warm-up at the Stadium of Light. No player of such a tender age had ever found the net on his England debut and at the age of 18 years and 209 days, Rashford is behind only former Liverpool star Michael Owen (18 years and 164 days) and United captain Wayne Rooney (17 years 317 days) in the list of the youngest scorers in an England shirt.
Rashford's meteoric rise is starting to resemble the memorable performances delivered by both Owen and Rooney early in their England careers.
Both made their names by dazzling as teenagers at major tournaments - Owen at the 1998 World Cup and Rooney at Euro 2004 - and Rashford looks capable of following in their footsteps after netting at the same venue where Rooney scored his first England goal 13 years ago.
Hodgson, who has until May 31 to axe three players from his 26-man provisional squad, wouldn't confirm Rashford had done enough to seal his seat on the flight to France. But his glowing response to questions about the youngster suggested he can dig out his passport.

Britain Football Soccer - England v Australia - International Friendly - Stadium of Light, Sunderland - 27/5/16Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring the first goal for EnglandAction Images via Reuters / Ed SykesLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Britain Football Soccer - England v Australia - International Friendly - Stadium of Light, Sunderland - 27/5/16Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring the first goal for EnglandAction Images via Reuters / Ed SykesLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.



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