England are doing Manchester United a favour with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford

Time has not yet run out for Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford when it comes to making the World Cup, but the clock is ticking loudly after they both missed out on September's England squad.

United have just six more games before Gareth Southgate has to finalise his 26-man squad for Qatar and it seems the forwards are on the periphery at best when it comes to forcing their way back into the squad.

Sancho hasn't been in an England squad this year and Rashford hasn't made the cut since the European Championship. Both have started this season brightly for Erik ten Hag's United, but it's not been enough, although injury has cost Rashford.

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In an old school sports hall repurposed as a press conference room in Chisinau, Ten Hag said on Wednesday that it was "obvious" Rashford could still go to the World Cup despite his injury. A little over 24 hours later, after Sancho had scored again in the win against Sheriff Tiraspol, he was a little more circumspect, insisting selection is the job of the England manager.

That both have improved for Ten Hag's tutelage is inarguable and on Thursday night the Dutchman insisted "they will progress even more". Rashford scored five goals in 32 games last season but has three in six this term. Sancho has three in eight after netting five in 38 in his first season at the club.

But England's loss could be United's gain. Ten Hag said he would work with Sancho and Rashford - if available - at Carrington over the international break and while the absence of most of his squad hinders work on team structure, the two forwards could benefit from more specific tutelage on their roles and responsibilities.

“We will fill in