Marcus Rashford has perhaps a surprise inclusion in Roy Hodgson’s 26-man provisional England squad on Monday.
Then again, perhaps not. Because the uncapped Manchester United teenager’s form since breaking onto the first-team scene in February has been first class.
On Tuesday night, he scored again – his eighth goal in 17 senior United games – to help United to a 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
Rashford hit the net with a confident first-time shot on 74 minutes, in between successful efforts from Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young, before a Chris Smalling own goal denied David de Gea a final-day clean sheet.
Although Rashford’s place at Euro 2016 is not yet sealed, this goal – which sees his United strike-rate improve to 47% – surely strengthens his cause as he bids to avoid the cut when England boss Roy Hodgson makes 26 become 23.
Rashford’s 47% seasonal strike-rate is competitive when compared to his fellow England forwards, but he still ranks fourth of the five men in Hodgson’s plans.
5. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) – 15 goals in 41 club games – 36.5%
4. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) – eight goals in 17 club games – 47%
3. Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool) – 12 goals in 24 clubs games – 50%
2. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) – 28 goals in 50 club games – 56%
1. Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) – 24 goals in 38 club games – 63%
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