England manager Gareth Southgate has hailed the “big progress” in Marcus Rashford’s goal scoring prowess.
According to the England boss, the Manchester United forward “loves” playing for his country.
“The obvious thing is the goals,” he replied when asked during his post match press conference what Rashford has brought to his game.
“I think when he has had chances this season that you expect him to score as the season has gone on. Maybe in previous seasons that was a little bit less of a certainty.
“I think, in working with Erik (ten Hag), he has had to work a bit differently without the ball. There’s been a bit more onus on that as a team. I would say the goal tally is big progress for him and something he will be pleased about.
“At the moment I still think he’s better from the left than as a nine but he’s definitely made progress as a nine this year and had a bigger impact.”
“I’ve had him since he was in the Under-21s, really,” he added. “He kind of came back to us because he had been up with Roy (Hodgson) and then had one game back with us.
“We’ve always had good communication, I know him as well as anybody is going to know him. He’s not always easy to read.
“He does love playing for England, he’s very proud to play for England and I’m sure an England game at Old Trafford will be a special moment for him.”