Marcus Rashford's Injury Concern Ahead of Ghana Match
Marcus Rashford has handed England an unwelcome fitness scare just as his World Cup is threatening to catch fire.
The Manchester United forward, electric off the bench in the 4-2 win over Croatia, finished Wednesday night in Kansas with a goal, a swagger – and then a tight hamstring.
From impact sub to injury doubt
Rashford, 28, changed the tempo of England’s opener after coming on for Barcelona new boy Anthony Gordon in the 72nd minute. England, sluggish before the break, suddenly had a direct runner stretching Croatia’s back line, and the game tilted.
He capped his cameo with England’s fourth, a sharp finish that sealed the result and snapped a long personal drought. It was his 19th goal in 73 caps, but his first in nine international appearances. For a player whose place in the pecking order has been under scrutiny, it felt significant.
Then came the sting. After the final whistle, Rashford reported discomfort in the hamstring and glute area. The tightness was serious enough to keep him out of Thursday’s behind-closed-doors run-out against Sporting Kansas City, a 5-1 win for the group of substitutes and non-starters.
Ghana looming, selection headache brewing
England face Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, a fixture that could seal qualification for the knockout stages. Rashford had put himself in a strong position to start that game, pressing Gordon hard for the left-sided role after outshining him in Dallas.
Now the equation changes. The England manager will hope the issue is no more than a minor strain and that Rashford can return to training tomorrow. Any setback and the conversation swings back towards Gordon, who got the initial nod against Croatia but couldn’t match Rashford’s impact.
For a squad built on attacking depth, losing a player with Rashford’s pace and penalty-box threat, even briefly, would still be a blow.
Toney treble in tune‑up
While Rashford rested, others seized their chance.
In the practice match against Sporting Kansas City, Ivan Toney produced the headline act with a hat-trick, sharpening his own case for more minutes as the tournament unfolds. The game, played over two 25-minute halves, also saw Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins find the net in a comfortable 5-1 victory.
It was a useful outing for those who sat out the Croatia win. Eberechi Eze, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Kobbie Mainoo and Jarell Quansah were among those involved, topping up fitness and staking quiet claims in a squad where competition is fierce.
A pause before the push
After a hectic opening to their World Cup campaign, the players have been granted a full day off in Kansas. Many have headed out to spend time with friends and family who have travelled to the United States; others have chosen the calm of the team hotel, eyes already on Ghana and the chance to wrap up qualification early.
The break offers a mental reset. It also buys precious hours for Rashford.
England’s staff will monitor him closely once training resumes. If the tightness eases and he comes through the next session untroubled, the conversation turns back to form, roles and matchups.
If it lingers, a player who just reignited his international scoring touch may have to watch one of the defining group games from the bench.
