Three touches and 49 seconds! Sub Marcus Rashford makes an instant impact in his first England appearance since missing his penalty in the Euro 2020 final by netting the fifth goal in the Three Lions’ Iran demolition
- Marcus Rashford scored 49 seconds after coming on for England versus Iran
- He was making his international return after being recalled to the squad
- He took just three touches as he slotted home after a neat pass from Harry Kane
- Click here to follow all the latest Qatar World Cup news and updates
- Follow updates as England prepare to get their campaign underway against Iran
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
Marcus Rashford made an instant impact on his England return as he netted his side’s fifth goal against Iran just 49 seconds after coming onto the pitch.
The forward, who was appearing in an England shirt for the first time since missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final shootout, was named as a substitute for England’s tournament opener against Iran and was introduced by Gareth Southgate after 71 minutes.
25 seconds after play resumed following the change, Rashford was played through by captain Harry Kane, cut inside his defender and slotted past goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini to mark his international return in style.
Marcus Rashford scored just 49 seconds after making his international return for England
The forward slotted home England’s fifth goal against Iran in their World Cup opener today
According to Opta, the goal, which saw Rashford take just three touches, was the third-fastest goal by a substitute in World Cup history.
England controlled the game throughout and were 4-1 up when manager Gareth Southgate brought Rashford on for two-goal man Bukayo Saka, as well as Phil Foden for Mason Mount, Jack Grealish for Raheem Sterling and Eric Dier for Harry Maguire.
Kane also impressed and dropped deep once again to log his second assist of the game after teeing up Sterling earlier in the game.
Rashford’s England team-mates grabbed him in celebration as the forward wheeled off
He was fed by Harry Kane (right), who impressed as he registered two assists on the night
He hadn’t featured for England since missing a penalty against Italy in the Euro 2020 final
Kane was then substituted too for the returning Callum Wilson as Southgate looked to rest key players with the game won.
Rashford has scored 13 goals in 47 appearances for England, but was left out of the squad back in March after a poor run of form for club side Manchester United.
He then missed the summer internationals too, and was absent from the latest international break after picking up an injury.
He was however recalled for the tournament after rediscovering his form under new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag, and will now be planning on kicking on as England look to progress through the tournament.
Share this article
Source: Read Full Article