Ten Hag believes Rashford can make England's World Cup squad

Erik ten Hag has backed Marcus Rashford to make England's World Cup squad despite the injured forward being set to miss out on a Nations League international recall.

Rashford has started the campaign in a promising fashion for United and was expected to be named in Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad on Thursday for the forthcoming games against Italy and Germany.

But the 24-year-old is still feeling the effects of an injury he picked up in the 3-1 Premier League victory over Arsenal on 4 September, when he scored twice to take his season's tally to three.

Having sat out United's opening Europa League tie, a 1-0 home defeat to Real Sociedad, Rashford will again be missing their second group game away to Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday.

"He's not available. The consequence after Arsenal, he has a muscle injury," Ten Hag said at his pre-match press conference.

Asked whether Rashford can now make England's World Cup squad in Qatar, he added: "It's quite obvious and quite clear (he can).

"He played really good seasons and this season he has had a great comeback. He's shown his great potential and quality.

"No, I don't think too long (his absence), but I cannot tell how long. It's not really bad and we expect him to be back quite soon in the team."

United's first-ever game against Moldovan opponents will be their last for 17 days.

Sunday's league visit of Leeds has been postponed due to police resources being stretched in the build-up to the Queen's funeral on Monday, so United will next be in action away to neighbours Manchester City on 2 October.

Defeat to Sociedad has put United under extra scrutiny in this competition, and Ten Hag said: "Pressure is for every game because we have to win every game.

"When you lose the first game, you