Euro 2016: Marcus Rashford set to learn England squad fate as Manchester United striker bids to cap incredible rise
Rashford could go from United debutant to Euro squad member in the space of three months
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Your support makes all the difference.Marcus Rashford will discover within the next 24 hours whether he has completed a dramatic three-month rise from Manchester United novice to Euro 2016 squad member.
The eighteen-year-old, who broke Tommy Lawton’s 77-year-old record with the quickest-debut goal for England by scoring just 138 seconds into the 2-1 victory over Sunderland on Friday, is now expected to claim a place in Roy Hodgson’s 23-man squad.
Having scored twice on his United debut against FC Midtjylland in February after being thrust into the team following an injury suffered by Anthony Martial during the pre-match warm-up, Rashford took his tally to nine goals in 19 senior appearances for club and country with the strike against Australia.
The Manchester-born teenager’s exploits have already earned him a new four-year deal at Old Trafford -- the youngster agreed, but not yet signed, a £25,000-a-week contract -- and his new England team-mates admit they have been taken aback by Rashford’s quality, on and off the pitch, since he joined up with the squad following United’s FA Cup victory against Crystal Palace last week.
“He played fantastic against Australia and it was great for him to get the goal,” said goalkeeper Fraser Forster. “He obviously hasn't been in the squad very long. But it is brilliant for him.
“He's had a fantastic few months and it is important we remember how young he is and don't put too much pressure on him.
“But he is a quality player and he has come into the squad and shown great confidence.
“He is obviously quiet as he has just come into the squad, but he is a hard worker and gives 100 per cent in training like everyone and it is fantastic to have in the group.”
Forster, who will travel to France as understudy to Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, believes Rashford’s impact, both for United and England, has given Hodgson a big decision to make over his inclusion.
“It is not my call, but he's had a fantastic few months for Manchester United and has done really well against Australia, so he's put a bit of pressure on the manager,” Forster said. “It is obviously the manager's decision and he will select the options he thinks we need and it is a case of wait and see.
“I think all the strikers have different qualities and different strengths.
“We have such depth in the squad, when you look at the number of players we have with quality, that it will be a little harsh some will miss out, but we can only take the 23.
“Everyone has given everything to go and it is the manager's decision and we have to wait and see.”
Raheem Sterling, a 19-year-old when he claimed a place in England’s World Cup squad in Brazil two years ago, claims Rashford’s humility is one of his greatest assets.
“He is humble around the place and quiet and I like that,” Sterling said. “He has been really eager since he joined up.
“He has been friendly with everyone and he’s really nice to have around, so I would say to him to keep on doing what he is doing.”
Daniel Sturridge, whose calf problem has prevented the Liverpool forward from training since reporting for duty last week, will be assessed by Hodgson and England’s medical staff on Monday.
Hodgson has until midnight on Tuesday to select his final 23-man squad, with two players from his 25-man pre-tournament group set to be dropped.
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