Gareth Southgate: Play Rashford As A ‘Wide Raider’

Starring in England’s 4-0 victory against Bulgaria in the Euro 2020 qualifier, Rashford won a penalty for the Three Lions which was converted nicely by Harry Kane.

Being pleased with the performance by the Manchester United forward, Southgate believes the 21-year-old is a delight to watch when he is functioning from the left-wing.

“Although we have for a long time almost wanted Marcus to be that option as a nine, I'm still not certain that that is where he is happiest and where he does his best work," Southgate said.

“A lot of his development at United was as a wide raider and he isn't as strong as Harry with his back to goal and holding play up.

“A lot of his best work is in that inside-left channel, coming in off the line, and I don't think that's a problem.

“I just think we have to be aware that's probably his profile and to get the best out of him they are the areas of the pitch that we need to get him into regularly."

With Kane starting the season in a prolific manner with six goals in five competitive appearances for club and country, Southgate is optimistic Kane who has scored 25 goals in 40 games for the Three Lions is better of equaling Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals.

“There's a reason that only Bobby [Charlton] and Gary [Lineker] and Wayne have got [to around 50 goals], because it's such a hard challenge to stay fit, the number-one choice, focused and motivated for the long period that you need to be able to get the games and get those goals.

“But if anybody has that strength of mentality, it's Harry.”