The debate continues to rage on amongst England fans who Gareth Southgate should start at no.10 for the Three Lions, Raheem Sterling or Marcus Rashford.
Rashford has certainly made his claim for the starting role with stellar performances in both last night’s friendly against Switzerland and Saturday’s Nations League group match against Spain.
The United forward stroked home the winning goal in the 54th minute to bury the Swiss and despite a largely lacklustre display from England, the 20-year-old’s effort level, relentless speed and tenacity were on show for all to see.
Rashford has struggled for game time this season at Manchester United but that could well be the catalyst behind his strong international form, which has seen him score two goals in four days for his country.
The young starlet has now scored 5 goals in 27 games for his country, with many of those appearances coming from the bench. His energy, pace and knack for scoring vital goals has led to cries from the England faithful that the Mancunian should be considered as a regular starter ahead of Raheem Sterling.
Sterling offers England plenty, from skill to forward propulsion to his seemingly endless stamina, but the Manchester City star has struggled mightily with his form in-front of goal for England.
The 23-year-old has found the net just twice in 44 games for the Three Lions, missing a handful of simple chances along the way that many argue he would have buried for his club.
Sterling’s effort and willingness to run at defenders can’t be argued with but with no end product and a back injury that has left him sidelined throughout the international break, many fans believe that Rashford should keep his place when Sterling returns to full fitness.
The Jamaican-born forward has been in impressive form for his club, with two-goals in three games – including his most recent outstanding strike against Newcastle. The issue at hand is why Sterling struggles to translate his club form to the international stage.
He was given the starting role alongside England captain Harry Kane at the World Cup in Russia and although many will argue he gave opposing defences issues with his quick feet and movement, he failed to convert numerous chances into goals.
The real question in hand is which player do the fans think should start for England and why?
Well, GiveMeSport created a poll and asked fans who they believe should partner Kane in attack fin Gareth Southgate's first choice XI, Raheem Sterling or Marcus Rashford.
Over 100,000 fans cast their vote, and a staggering 77% believe Rashford should get the nod whilst a measly 23% thought Raheem Sterling should keep the no.10 shirt.
Rashford is letting his work on the pitch do the talking and has certainly given Southgate a selection headache when looking ahead to England’s crucial Nations Cup match-up against Croatia on October 12.