As Anthony Gordon struggles ahead of his Barcelona transfer, Marcus Rashford’s resurgence forces a tactical shift, leaving Thomas Tuchel with a high-stakes selection dilemma.
Marcus Rashford's successful loan spell at Barcelona surprisingly came to an end, with the Spanish giants opting not to trigger the £26 million option to buy included in the agreement with Manchester United.
The England international enjoyed an excellent campaign under Hansi Flick, rediscovering the form that once made him one of Europe's most highly-rated forwards. Rashford finished the season with an impressive return of 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, playing a key role as Barcelona won the LaLiga title.
Despite his impressive contribution, Barcelona ultimately decided to look elsewhere to strengthen their attacking options. The Catalan club completed a £70 million deal for Anthony Gordon instead, a decision that has raised plenty of eyebrows given Rashford's relatively modest asking price and productive performances throughout the season.
As a result, Rashford's long-term future remains uncertain. The 28-year-old is still contracted to Manchester United and, unless a permanent move materialises elsewhere during the summer transfer window, he is expected to return to his boyhood club following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
However, Rashford's immediate focus remains on international duty with England. After beginning the tournament on the bench in the Three Lions' opening two matches, the forward made an immediate impact when called upon, scoring in England's entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia.
His goal served as another reminder of his quality and could prove crucial as he looks to strengthen his case for a regular starting place under Thomas Tuchel for the remainder of the tournament.
Thomas Tuchel's left-wing selection headache
Thomas Tuchel opted to start Anthony Gordon on the left wing for England's first two games, but failed to make any real impact, with Rashford looking much more impressive in his minutes off the bench.
After a disappointing 0-0 draw against Ghana, Tuchel made a few changes to his starting lineup in their final game against Panama, winning 2-0 and topping Group L.
One of the changes saw Barcelona's new signing be dropped in favour of Rashford, who impressed in the game. Much of the attacking play in the first two games went down the right through Noni Madueke, but it was much more balanced against Panama, with Rashford looking lively.
Interestingly, Gordon was left as an unused substitute, with it being thought that Rashford has now established himself as the starting left winger in Tuchel's England side.
Spanish media point out a big problem
AS seems to echo that statement, claiming that the new Barcelona winger will find starting minutes hard to come by for the remainder of the World Cup.
Their report claims: "Rashford replaced Gordon, a Barcelona player, and Bukayo Saka started for the first time. This move looks set to be permanent. New wingers after the fruitless siege against Ghana."
Another article also suggests that the pressure of Gordon's move to Barcelona is having a toll on his performance. "The pressure of playing in his first World Cup and being the most expensive signing of the summer is taking their toll [on Gordon]. He's neither standing out nor failing to impress. And that's the big problem."
Sport also highlighted Rashford's performance against Panama, claiming he put on a man of the match performance while Gordon sat on the bench.
"The former Barcelona player won the starting spot over Gordon against Panama. He had to wait until the third matchday to appear in Tuchel's starting eleven and his performance, whilst not particularly brilliant, provided the only sparks of brilliance from England in the first half.
"His were the only chances for the Three Lions, completely overshadowing players like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham. All of England's danger came down the left flank, with an incisive and very active Rashford in attack.
"All that praise comes at the same rate as punishment for Anthony Gordon. The new Barcelona signing arrived at the World Cup as the manager's expected starter. There was debate in Britain, but not in the mind of Tuchel, who gave him two chances to shine before benching him."
