Steven Gerrard branded Marcus Rashford England’s ‘most dangerous player’ in the first half of the Three Lions’ 7-0 win over North Macedonia.
Rashford on Monday became the first Manchester United player to score for England at Old Trafford since David Beckham’s victory over Sweden in November 2001.
The 25-year-old particularly impressed in the first half, giving England a 3-0 lead just before half-time thanks to an assist from Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson.
Liverpool legend Gerrard welcomed Rashford as a full-time player, telling Channel 4: “I thought he was our most dangerous player at the start.”
The threat was there. Now there is hunger and ruthlessness in this England team.
Nice little slap from Marcus, who was our biggest threat up to that point.”
Joe Cole also praised Rashford at half-time, adding: ‘Excellent. He missed the Malta game but he was so smart, he got in position and they gave him the ball.
“He gave [North Macedonia] a hot time. When he’s playing against a player with that kind of speed and agility and skill, you can’t stop him.”
England’s 7-0 victory marked North Macedonia’s heaviest defeat and the first time they have conceded seven goals in a single game. Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate’s side won 12 successive home games in Euro qualifying with a 47-4 aggregate scoreline.
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Man Utd ‘pushing’ to sign Rasmus Hojlund for weeks, may secure deal for €60m
According to Corriere della Sera (Bergamo edition), Manchester United have been lobbying for several weeks to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.
The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new centre-forward and Hojlund is one of the names on their radar.
United have reportedly been negotiating for the Dane for weeks and have already failed with an opening bid worth €35m for his services.
Corriere della Serra thinks the striker could be sold for €60m this summer and expressed surprise in British media last week at the €100m price tag.
The Italian outlet insists it is “almost impossible” for Atalanta to keep the 20-year-old starlet after failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League. United should be optimistic about Hojlund deal
Hojlund joined Atalanta from Sturm Graz last summer before the transfer deadline. In 42 appearances for both clubs, he scored 16 goals and seven assists.
The Danish international impressed with his strong physique, breaking speed and finishing qualities. You could call him a poacher in a box.
Hojlund has been compared to Erling Braut Haaland before and we believe he has the potential to become a good goalscorer in a season or two.
United appear keen to value the striker this summer but won’t take him cheaply. Atalanta could keep 60 million euros, including add-ons for Hojlund.
The price seems steep for a forward learning his trade, but United could reap the rewards in the long run as the Dane could be a top centre-forward.
We believe the club should focus on more than one striker. Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos could be United’s main striker, with Hojlund a good rival for him.
