Marcus Rashford's Injury Concerns Ahead of Ghana Clash

Marcus Rashford has handed England an untimely fitness scare just as his World Cup is catching fire.

The Manchester United forward, so electric off the bench in the 4-2 win over Croatia, complained of a tight hamstring after his late cameo and did not take part in yesterday’s practice match against Sporting Kansas City.

From game-changer to doubt

Rashford, 28, came on for Barcelona’s new signing Anthony Gordon in the 72nd minute in Dallas and immediately shifted the tempo. England had laboured through the first half, but the second period belonged to the substitutes, with Rashford at the heart of it.

He drove at defenders, stretched Croatia’s back line and capped his performance with England’s fourth goal, finishing the night with his 19th strike in 73 caps. It ended a barren run of nine international games without a goal and looked like the perfect launchpad for his tournament.

Then came the sting. After the final whistle he reported pain in the hamstring and glute area, enough for England to take no risks in Kansas.

He sat out the behind-closed-doors run-out against Sporting Kansas City, a session designed to keep the non-starters sharp. The Three Lions cruised to a 5-1 win, but the headline was the player missing rather than those on the pitch.

Gordon under pressure, Tuchel on alert

England face Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, a game that could seal qualification, and Rashford had put himself firmly in the frame to start ahead of Gordon, who got the nod in Dallas but could not match the impact of his replacement.

The England manager will hope the issue is no more than tightness and that Rashford can return to training tomorrow. If he proves his fitness, the decision on the left flank becomes one of the most intriguing selection calls of England’s group campaign: stick with Gordon, or ride Rashford’s momentum.

For now, caution rules. Rashford’s absence from the training match underlines the medical staff’s determination not to gamble this early in the tournament.

Day off, but minds on Ghana

The squad have been granted a day off in Kansas, with players encouraged to spend time with friends and family who have travelled to the United States. Some have stayed back at the team hotel, preferring quiet preparation for a second group game that could define their route through the competition.

Tuchel wants his players relaxed, but the Rashford situation will be monitored closely. A fully firing Rashford gives England a different edge in transition and in tight games; a setback now would be a significant blow to their attacking options.

Toney makes his case

While Rashford rested, others seized their chance. Ivan Toney hit a hat-trick in the 5-1 win over Sporting Kansas City, a sharp reminder of the depth England possess in forward areas.

Those who did not feature against Croatia were given two 25-minute halves, and Toney made every minute count. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins also found the net, adding their names to the list of players knocking on the manager’s door.

Eberechi Eze, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Kobbie Mainoo and Jarell Quansah were among those involved, all pushing to stay in the conversation as the tournament gathers pace.

England now move towards Boston with one eye on Ghana and the other on the treatment room. If Rashford wakes up pain-free and joins training, the narrative flips again: from worry to opportunity, from doubt to a genuine selection headache on the left wing.