Marcus Rashford started for England on 1 July 2026 as the Three Lions edged DR Congo 2‑1 in a World Cup group match, yet his 60 minutes yielded no key passes and two missed big chances, putting his place under scrutiny for the upcoming last‑16.
How did Rashford perform?
Rashford’s involvement was limited to basic distribution – he completed 100 % of his passes, but none created a clear scoring opportunity. He attempted three shots, two of which were classified as big chances missed, and his only dribble, tackle and aerial duel both ended in failure. Former teammate Aaron Wan‑Bissaka cleared a Rashford effort off the line, highlighting the forward’s lack of impact.
What was the match context?
England fell behind after seven minutes, conceding an early goal before Harry Kane rescued the side with a brace, securing a 2‑1 victory. Rashford’s replacement, Anthony Gordon, supplied the assists for both Kane goals, underscoring the contrast between Rashford’s muted display and Gordon’s decisive contributions.
Why does this matter for Rashford’s England future?
The performance comes as speculation swirls about Rashford’s club future – Barcelona declined their option, and United may reintegrate him next season. With England set to face Mexico in the last‑16 on 5 July, manager Gareth Southgate faces a selection dilemma. Rashford’s inability to influence the game could see him benched in favour of more decisive options.
What are the next steps?
Southgate will review the footage before the Mexico tie, weighing Rashford’s work‑rate against Gordon’s creativity. The forward must sharpen his end‑product quickly if he hopes to retain a starting berth. Meanwhile, United fans will watch closely to see whether the England showing accelerates his return to the club’s first‑team plans.
Key stats vs DR Congo (1 Jul 2026): 60 min, 0 key passes, 3 shots (2 big chances missed), 100 % pass completion, 1 dribble, 1 tackle, 1 aerial duel. Rashford’s night was a stark reminder that even top‑flight talent can falter on the world stage.