Marcus Rashford in new ‘surprise’ as Jack Grealish and Phil Foden blown away
Marcus Rashford could be set to receive an England recall as Thomas Tuchel is keeping a close eye on his progress at Aston Villa.
That is according to former Villa and Man United scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at his former clubs, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Rashford’s performances will have impressed the England boss.
Tuchel is set to name his first international squad selection next month ahead of the visits of Albania and Latvia at Wembley, on 21 and 24 March.
Rashford was last involved with England in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Brazil in March 2024, and has not started a game for his country since a 2-0 win against Malta in November 2023.
However, concerns about the performances of Jack Grealish with Man City have left Anthony Gordon as the only nailed-on left-winger for Tuchel’s first squad.
Phil Foden was chosen to play in that role during Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 campaign, but the Man City star was slammed by fans for his disappointing performances.
The Man United loanee Rashford’s performances at Villa Park so far have attracted attention – and Brown explained that the England boss will be watching closely to see if he keeps up this form.
Marcus Rashford performances to decide Aston Villa and England future
Brown told Football Insider that Aston Villa want to sign Rashford permanently and are putting plans in place ahead of the summer as long as he keeps up his form.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted consistency will be the key both for his future at Villa and with England.
“Thomas Tuchel has been keeping an eye on his performances,” he told Football Insider.
“If you were picking an England squad tomorrow, the left-wingers you’ve got are Jack Grealish, who hasn’t exactly been doing it for Man City which is a concern, and Anthony Gordon.
“You think Gordon is probably nailed on – but who else is there for that position.
“Foden played there during the Euros but by any metrics that decision didn’t pay off.
“Marcus Rashford at his best is a shoo-in for that wide left role.
“The problem is, he hasn’t been at his best for a while, so he’s got to prove to the manager that he can consistently perform at that level.
“He was a substitute for Villa against Chelsea, which surprised me, but came off the bench and changed the game with his speed and directness.
“So if he keeps up the way he’s been playing since his loan move, I think he’ll deserve that England call.”
Unai Emery leading Villa Park transfer plans
While plans are being put in place to make Rashford’s loan permanent at Villa Park based on his performances early in his loan spell, he is not the only target for Villa.
Brown told Football Insider that Aston Villa want to sign Marco Asensio from PSG on a permanent deal after a similarly impressive start to his short-term spell in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old has scored two goals in his first three league appearances – both of which came during a 2-1 win against Chelsea at Villa Park.
Emery is said to have been impressed with his performances both in training and on the pitch in the early stages of his spell and is already planning for a permanent deal.
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