Marcus Rashford reacts to England recalls ahead of World Cup

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is ‘pleased’ to be back in the England squad in time for the World Cup after focusing on recapturing his club form this season.

Rashford hasn’t kicked a ball for England since Euro 2020 as a result of a shoulder surgery and poor form pushing him out of contention over the last 15 months.

But the United star has found a new lease of life since new manager Erik ten Hag assumed control at Old Trafford. His goal tally just a third of the way through this season is already better than what he managed in the whole of the 2021/22 campaign, which had been the worst of his entire career.

Rashford missed out on England selection for the last round of UEFA Nations League fixtures in September but was soon named Premier League Player of the Month thanks to his club performances around the same time.

Further club goals across all competitions meant it was impossible for Gareth Southgate to ignore him as England ready themselves to travel to Qatar early next week.

“I think my aim is just to get back to enjoying my football and I can't complain,' Rashford said after scoring against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night.

“If I'm scoring goals and winning then I'm happy! For me it's just I think if you're performing at United, England's always around the corner.

“I'm pleased to be back in the mix and it's going to be a massive month for us [with England]. I'm looking forward to that but hopefully we can close off this chapter with a win [for United] on Sunday [in the Premier League].”

United face Fulham at Craven Cottage in the very last Premier League fixture before the World Cup break begins. Rashford, who is joined in the England squad by United teammates Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, will join up with the Three Lions squad at St George’s Park on Monday.