Marcus Rashford has often turned to England for solace from his Man United woes… but it didn’t work against Malta and he faces a growing challenge for a Euro 2024 place

• England failed to get into top gear in their 2-0 win against Malta at Wembley
• Marcus Rashford was subdued and part of England’s malaise on Friday night
• Southgate’s loyalty to his players is an issue and a weakness – It’s All Coming Up

Marcus Rashford has saved his best performances for England rather than Manchester United this season but Friday night against Malta wasn’t one of them.

The forward was inhibited by what appears a lack of confidence due to a lack of goals at Old Trafford.

By the time he was replaced after an hour, limping after a collision with his own team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold, the 26-year-old will have realised he has a massive fight on his hands to keep a starting position for the Euros.

On the night Wembley paid its own tribute to 1966 World Cup hero Sir Bobby Charlton, it was fitting Rashford should be there to represent the attacking traditions of United.

The best version of Rashford is all about pace, quick feet and a coolness in front of goal. It was a pale imitation that faced Malta that explained why he’s only scored once for his club this season.

Marcus Rashford appeared a pale imitation of his best during England’s win against Malta

Rashford has largely saved his best form for England this season but was subdued at Wembley

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He’s played better for his country, particularly against Scotland and Italy, and Gareth Southgate was keen to show his loyalty particularly following a harsh red card in United’s last Champions League game against Copenhagen.

He was under instructions to play on the left, practically hugging the touchline on occasions, but when things aren’t going for you, it’s hard to shift the momentum.

On the opposite flank, Phil Foden – one of his rivals for a place – had space to run and cross for England go score after eight minutes, Pepe turning into his own net.

Rashford had to be content with being part of the Foden congratulation party for Foden rather than receiving the backslaps himself.

How he must wish more carefree days returned. There was a buzz on the few occasions he found space to run at the Maltese defence but the end product was lacking.

His marker Joseph Mbong plays his club football in Malta for Hamrun Spartans but was able to stick close and harry, block and dispossess his esteemed opponent.

When Harry Kane led a break and looked across to his left, Rashford was yards behind. Not that the United player lacked workrate or had suddenly become slower than the England captain – he’d just misjudged the situation.

England failed to register a shot on target in the first half despite leading and Rashford was part of the malaise.

The Man United forward had to be content congratulating Phil Foden who had joy on the right

There was still a buzz around Wembley when Rashford received the ball and ran at defenders

A big potential moment came and went after 41 minutes. Kane found Rashford free with a sweet cross-field pass.

An in-form Rashford would have sprinted with the ball into a shooting position – this version hesitated and allowed Mbong to intercept for a corner.

Southgate made two changes at half-time but Rashford survived with Foden moving inside to No 10 and Bukayo Saka introduced on the right.

The manager’s backing seemed to raise the United player’s spirits. For the first time, he got past Mbong for the first time and nutmegged Steve Borg in the box. 

The pair eventually went over in a heap with the foul awarded to Malta. It was a flash of Rashford’s talent but that was as good as it got.

Rashford was withdrawn on the hour mark after a collision with Trent Alexander-Arnold

Chelsea star Cole Palmer is one of a growing list of contenders to challenge for Rashford’s spot

The Man United star must find his old sparkle again to ensure he has a place at Euro 2024

He was given encouragement by Kieran Trippier to keep going and beat his marker on the outside before his cross was cleared.

But Southgate, who had already withdrawn Conor Gallagher at half-time wanted to inject more life into England’s pedestrian attack and after being bowled over – literally – by Alexander-Arnold, Rashford’s No 11 shirt was signalled to come off, just as he stood by the touchline wanting to come on after receiving treatment.

As Rashford walked away, his replacement Cole Palmer received a good ovation for his England debut. That was Rashford once, the exciting future of English football.

Now he’s got to knuckle down and find his old sparkle again – otherwise a place in the squad for Germany next summer isn’t guaranteed, let alone a place in the first XI. At least.

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

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