Marcus Rashford sent worrying message as England star 'answers question'

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Anthony Gordon has been backed to hold off the challenge of Marcus Rashford and keep his place in Thomas Tuchel's England side for next summer's World Cup. The Newcastle United star was on target as the Three Lions became the first European team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup by beating Latvia 5-0 in Riga on Tuesday night.

Gordon’s opener was followed by a brace from captain Harry Kane before the interval. An own goal from Maksims Tonisevs and a late Eberechi Eze strike then completed the rout.

The competition for places in Tuchel’s side is heating up, with Rashford finding his form on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United , while Jack Grealish is impressing with Everton . However, Gordon started both games for England during this international break, and Micah Richards believes the former Everton man has taken his game to the next level.

In a worrying message to Rashford, the ex- Man City defender thinks Gordon has already provided the answer to who will be starting on the left of England's attack going forward. “I think Gordon," Richards replied when asked who impressed him against Latvia. "That’s why I was talking about Marcus Rashford , because Rashford’s doing well at Barcelona , but Gordon has taken his game to the next level.

“He’s always been a confident boy. He’s always been able to go both ways. He’s played a little bit up front in that No 9 role. He’s definitely best out wide, but I think his final ball’s getting a lot better.

"Don’t forget, when he goes down that side, he’s coming on to his left foot, but some of the balls he put in tonight . . . they were a lot better than I’ve seen previously. So I think he did well.”

Speaking before the game at the Daugava Stadium, England boss Tuchel said Rashford is not living up to his potential and warned him not to waste his career. “I feel like I’ve been in an inconsistent environment for a very, very long time,” he told ITV .

Before he continued: “I think that is the headline for him (consistency). To keep on pushing himself to the limit.

“I think the limit for him is very, very high. Maybe higher than for others. He has the potential but potential is a dangerous word with high-level sports.

“You have to reach your personal best on a regular basis, that is what is demanded on this kind of level and that is the challenge for him.

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“It’s not a question of talent, it’s a question of whether he can prove the point at club and international level. This is his task, whether he starts for us or comes off the bench he has to constantly prove himself.

“He can be one of the best in the world because the quality I see in training, the finishing with both legs and with the head.

“He is explosive, he is fast, he is strong in the air, so where are the limits? There are no limits – but the numbers don’t reach the potential, it is as easy as that.

“He need to push himself into goal involvements, that means goals and assists, it is as easy as that.” Rashford failed to find the net on international duty with England, but has been in great form this season, registering eight goal contributions from his 10 Barcelona matches so far.

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