England missed the chance to top their World Cup group as an Adnan Januzaj stunner stole the show in Belgium’s 1-0 win.
It was something of a dead rubber as both teams had qualified, with 17 changes among the 22 starting players, but there was the prestige of coming top, as well as avoiding Colombia in the last 16.
Here, we analyse the performance of England striker Marcus Rashford, who endured a frustrating night in Kaliningrad.
STATISTICS
Goals – 0
Assists – 0
Shots – 4
Shots on target – 1
Touches – 51
Passes – 33
Key passes – 0
Dribbles – 4
Dispossessed – 2
30-SECOND REPORT
Harry Kane has taken this World Cup by storm and was given a rest in order to replenish his energy levels. Step forward then Marcus Rashford, who has perhaps been unlucky to find himself starting both of England’s openers on the bench.
He got his start here and although he was bright and alert, never giving the Belgian defence a moment to rest, his performance was punctuated by a series of squandered chances.
GOT RIGHT
Movement – He was always on the move and when balls were sprayed behind the Belgium back line, Rashford was on them in a flash. Whether played over the top for him to chase or played directly into his feet for him to bamboozle the Belgian defence, he was always an option.
Confidence – Even after his miss he didn’t hide away, pulling out to the right flank and still going in search of the ball. He lined up a free-kick later on and rocketed it just over Thibaut Courtois’ goal.
GOT WRONG
Grasping his chance – If you would have been told a player with a Manchester United connection was going to be the match-winner in this game, Adnan Januzaj wouldn’t have been too far up the list. Rashford would have been at the top, but he was taught a lesson in how to finish by United alumni Januzaj with a stunning strike. When presented with his own opportunity – and a far easier one at that – he was thwarted by Courtois, when he shouldn’t have been given the keeper a chance.
VERDICT
This was a chance for several fringe players to push for a starting berth in the round of 16, and among the players at the top of that list is Rashford, who has shown he belongs in an England jersey in his formative appearances. He already has 20 caps aged 20, but only three goals.
Kane’s place is undoubtedly safe in the starting XI and Rashford may well have been pushed down the pecking order in terms of first to be called upon substitutes.
RATING: 5/10
All statistics are compiled using whoscored.com
