Man United outcast tipped to make England’s World Cup squad, what Thomas Tuchel has said is a concern though
Marcus Rashford has been tipped to make Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup following his departure from Man United.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Tuchel “loves” the 27-year-old and what he can bring to the squad.
Despite Jack Grealish being ready to fill Rashford’s England spot, there is a feeling that the Barcelona man offers something different to Tuchel’s side.
Although Rashford could be dropped for England’s game against Serbia, the forward’s direct nature and willingness to take on his man is not seen in his rivals. This gives the Three Lions a “dangerous” option alongside opposite winger Noni Madueke.
As a result, there is a growing likelihood that he will be a part of the World Cup squad in 2026 given the manager’s admiration for what he brings to the team.
Marcus Rashford expected to make England’s World Cup squad
Brown told Football Insider in March that Tuchel is keen to work with Rashford after bringing him back into the England setup in place of Phil Foden and Grealish.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience working closely with elite-level managers including the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Ron Atkinson for over a decade at Man United, has insisted the England boss values what Rashford bring to the team.
“Marcus Rashford gives England a spark up front,” he told Football Insider.
“He makes runs in behind people and he’s not afraid to take on his full-back, there aren’t many other players in the squad who do that.
“Of course, there’s Madueke on the other side, so having the pair of them is very dangerous for England.
“Tuchel loves having him there, there’s a reason he’s brought him back into the squad.
“He gives them that injection of pace and he’s so direct, it just gives another dimension to their attacking play especially in situations like the game against Andorra.
“From what I read in the papers, they’re all saying ‘He didn’t do this, he didn’t do that’, but even if he’s not scoring or setting up goals, he’s causing issues.
“I think it’s clear what Tuchel thinks about him because he’s starting games.
“There’s a good chance he goes to the World Cup because, as I say, England don’t have too many players who can offer what he brings to the side.”
England’s have four more World Cup Qualifying fixtures to play before the end of the year, including Tuesday’s game against Serbia.
Thomas Tuchel’s early Rashford concerns justified amid Barcelona struggles
Brown’s claims come despite Tuchel’s criticism of Rashford’s displays in an England shirt, as he explained he is struggling to deliver a “wow” performance for his country.
Following the 2-0 win against Andorra, Tuchel shared [via Sports Illustrated]: “I can see that he tries. This is, for me, the most important, that he stays positive and he trains at the moment with the right attitude with a smile.
“He struggles a bit with numbers and with ‘wow’ performance in an England shirt.“
Rashford has also been criticised in Barcelona since his summer move, with reports [El Nacional] going as far as to suggest he could be sent back to Man United.
The winger has started just one game in La Liga so far this season and has played just 94 minutes of football amid doubts about his position under Hansi Flick.
That poor form despite being in the early stages of career in Spain has raised concerns about his long-term role and further justifies Tuchel’s damning comments.
Should he fail to improve his displays on the pitch, there is plenty of competition waiting in the wings to take his place, including the likes of Grealish, Foden and Jarrod Bowen.
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