The buzz around the upcoming World Cup is palpable, and for many, the conversation inevitably turns to individual players who could be game-changers. Theo Walcott, a former England winger himself, has thrown his hat into the ring, making a bold declaration about Marcus Rashford. He believes Rashford is an absolute "dead cert" to start for England, a sentiment that, in my opinion, speaks volumes about the forward's potential resurgence.
What makes Walcott's assertion particularly fascinating is Rashford's recent journey. After being surprisingly left out of the Euro 2024 squad and experiencing a year without international appearances, his re-introduction under Thomas Tuchel has been met with renewed optimism. Personally, I think this period of absence, coupled with his loan spell at Barcelona, has been a crucial turning point. Scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists for a club of Barcelona's stature is no small feat; it's a testament to his rediscovered form and confidence.
From my perspective, the decision to go abroad, especially to a league as technically demanding as La Liga, showcases a bravery that many English players haven't always demonstrated. Walcott himself admitted he wasn't brave enough, and this is a detail I find especially interesting. It highlights a potential psychological barrier that Rashford has clearly overcome, and that kind of mental fortitude is often as important as raw talent on the international stage.
Seeing Rashford back in an England shirt, creating chances – he conjured five against New Zealand in just the first half – is genuinely exciting. Walcott's "most psyched about him" comment isn't just hyperbole; it suggests a genuine belief in Rashford's ability to be a focal point for the Three Lions. What this really suggests is that a player who has experienced the highs and lows, and has had to fight his way back, might possess a different kind of hunger and determination.
Of course, his club future remains a talking point, with Barcelona having a deadline to make his loan move permanent. But regardless of where he plays club football next season, his current trajectory is undeniable. Wayne Rooney's perspective on Rashford's Old Trafford career adds another layer of poignancy. As Manchester United's all-time leading scorer, Rooney's lament that Rashford, a "Manchester lad," hasn't quite reached his full potential at the club is understandable. It’s a shame, as Rooney himself noted, that Rashford hasn't been more consistently present to challenge his record, but perhaps this move was precisely what he needed to reignite that spark.
Beyond individual brilliance, the broader sentiment from former players like Rooney and Jermain Defoe is one of confidence in England's chances. The inclusion of players who have recently tasted club success, winning trophies in the Premier League and European competitions, is a significant factor. In my opinion, this tournament experience, this familiarity with the pressure of finals, is invaluable. It instills a belief that they "can get over the line," as Defoe put it. What many people don't realize is how much winning at club level can translate into a winning mentality at the international level.
While there are always debates about squad selections – Rooney's initial "shock" at Harry Maguire's omission being a prime example – there's a growing consensus that fans and ex-players need to trust manager Thomas Tuchel's decisions. Rooney’s stance, despite admitting he might have made different choices, underscores the idea that the manager has his reasons, and ultimately, he's the one responsible for picking a squad he believes can win the World Cup. This is a crucial aspect of team management; it's not about pleasing everyone, but about building a unit with a clear objective.
Ultimately, the question of whether England can win the World Cup boils down to a confluence of factors: a top manager, a talented squad, and crucially, everything falling into place at the right time. As Walcott and Rooney suggest, the belief is there. And when you have players like Rashford, who seem to have rediscovered their joy for the game, playing with that smile and freedom, anything truly feels possible. It makes you wonder, what other hidden strengths might this England squad possess that we haven't fully anticipated?
