England hero Rashford 'belongs' on World Cup stage, says Maguire

Marcus Rashford's eye-catching performance in England's 3-0 win against Wales shows he "belongs" on the World Cup stage, according to Manchester United and international teammate Harry Maguire.

The 25-year-old forward played a starring role as Gareth Southgate's men wrapped up their Group B campaign in style on Tuesday to progress to the last 16, where they will play Senegal.

Rashford opened the scoring with a brilliant free-kick and was instrumental in the second goal, scored by Phil Foden, before delivering the knockout blow in the 68th minute after a rampaging run down the right.

Defender Maguire said he was delighted to see his clubmate back in top form after a tough year in which he slipped out of the international picture due to fitness issues and a loss of form.

"I'm really pleased for Marcus," said Maguire.

"Over the last year or so obviously he's been out of the England team and England set-up. I think he's really found his form again this season for Manchester United. He's a massive player for our club."

Rashford had not kicked a ball for England since missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final shootout against Italy last year when he arrived in Qatar.

He endured a difficult season for United following the defeat at Wembley, making just 13 Premier League starts in 2021/22 and scoring just four times in the top flight.

But he forced his way back into Gareth Southgate's squad after impressing for United this season.

And Rashford has made up for lost time in Qatar, scoring a goal as a substitute in England's opening 6-2 win against Iran before his two strikes on Tuesday.

Confidence rebuilt

"Throughout a long career you're always going to have ups and you're always going to have downs and it's all about how you bounce back