Marcus Rashford's Injury Concern Ahead of England's Clash with Ghana

Marcus Rashford has handed England an unwelcome scare just as his World Cup is threatening to catch fire.

The Manchester United forward, outstanding off the bench in the 4-2 win over Croatia, reported tightness in his hamstring after his explosive cameo and did not take part in England’s behind-closed-doors run-out against Sporting Kansas City.

From game-changer to doubt

Rashford, 28, came on for Barcelona new signing Anthony Gordon in the 72nd minute in Dallas and immediately shifted the tempo. He drove at tired legs, stretched Croatia’s back line and capped a dynamic display with England’s fourth goal, finishing the night on a high.

That strike was his 19th in 73 caps, but also his first England goal in nine internationals – a drought snapped in emphatic fashion. It felt like a statement performance, the sort that reopens the debate about who should start on the left.

Then came the sting. After the game he complained of pain in the hamstring and glute area. The tightness was enough for England’s staff to keep him out of Thursday’s practice match for the non-starters, a 5-1 win over Sporting Kansas City.

Ghana on the horizon

England face Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, a fixture that could seal qualification for the knockout stages. Rashford would have been pushing hard to start ahead of Gordon, who got the nod in Dallas but could not match the impact his rival made off the bench.

The England manager will hope the issue is precautionary rather than serious, with the plan for Rashford to be assessed again before a scheduled training session tomorrow. Any setback now would be a significant frustration, just as his form and confidence with the national team seem to be returning.

Day off, but not for everyone’s mind

The squad have been given a full day off in Kansas to spend time with friends and family who have travelled out. Some players chose to stay back at the team hotel, keeping their routines tight and minds locked on a second group game that carries heavy weight.

The break also offers a small window for Rashford to rest and respond to treatment. England’s staff will be watching closely; one more attacking headache is the last thing they need in a tournament that punishes even minor missteps.

Toney makes his case

While Rashford sat out, others seized their chance. Ivan Toney fired a hat-trick in the training-ground win over Sporting Kansas City, a sharp reminder of his penalty-box instincts and his value as a different kind of threat at centre-forward.

Those who did not feature against Croatia played two 25-minute halves. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins were also on the scoresheet, adding gloss to the result and nudging their names a little higher in the manager’s thoughts.

Eberechi Eze, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Kobbie Mainoo and Jarell Quansah were among those involved, all fighting for relevance in a squad where competition is fierce and opportunities are thin.

England leave Kansas with goals in their legs, options in attack – and one nagging question. As Boston looms and Ghana prepare, will Rashford be fit enough to turn one electric cameo into a starting role on the World Cup stage?