Credit: Imago, Getty Images

Evan Lloyd

Fri 22 May 2026 12:42, UK

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Marcus Rashford has publicly thanked Unai Emery and Aston Villa after he was selected for England’s World Cup squad.

The 28-year-old has been rewarded for a superb season on loan at Barcelona with inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s side as they look to emerge victorious in North America this summer.

Rashford spent the second half of last season at Villa and looked to be returning to the player he once was, before his Manchester United career fell apart.

The Villans opted against signing him permanently, but it now looks as if he will be finding a permanent home at Barcelona.

Villa transfer chiefs may well regret not making a move for Rashford, but they have played an important part in the revival of his career.

Marcus Rashford sends Unai Emery message

Football Insider exclusively revealed in April that Rashford only wants to move to Barcelona this summer, despite mounting interest elsewhere.

There had been murmurs that the La Liga champions were struggling to stump up the £26million option to buy, and wanted to attempt to negotiate a lower fee with Man United.

But recent weeks appear to have convinced Barcelona that the winger is well worth the money, especially after he netted a free kick in El Clasico.

Rashford has netted 14 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions for Hansi Flick’s side this season, proving a reliably dangerous option out wide.

However, the 28-year-old may well not have been able to take the step, had he not enjoyed an encouraging loan at Villa last season.

The winger spent the second half of the season under Emery at Villa Park and provided goal contributions against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City, among others.

It was there that Rashford looked to regain his confidence, and he was keen to point that out following confirmation of his inclusion in the England squad.

“Special thanks to Unai [Emery], Hansi [Flick], Thomas [Tuchel], Aston Villa, Barcelona and England for believing in me when things got tough,” he wrote to his Instagram story on Friday.

Rashford to be reunited with Aston Villa stars

While Rashford may be an honorary Villa representative in the England squad, there will also be other representatives of Emery’s team.

Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins are fresh from their Europa League victory over SC Freiburg on Wednesday, and they have all received call-ups.

There have been several topics of hot debate in the hours since Tuchel’s World Cup selection has emerged. The likes of Noni Madueke and Jordan Henderson have had their inclusion questioned.

But there is no doubt that Konsa, Rogers, Watkins and Rashford are full value for their places, and they will hope to return with World Cup winners’ medals this summer.