Football

World Cup 2022: Allan Shearer Says Rashford in the race World Cup Golden Boot

Rashford

Former England forward, Allan Shearer, has tipped Marcus Rashford to be a top contender for the 2022 World Cup Golden Boot. Rashford has had impressive stats in the tournament so far and more could be coming from the 25-year-old Manchester United forward in the coming days. He currently leads the score charts for England followed by Arsenal’s Bakayo Saka who has two goals from their opener against Iran.

Jude Bellingham, Jack Greenish, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden have scored a goal each at the group stage.

Marcus Rashford has now scored three goals in two of England’s group-stage matches. The goal-tally puts England forward alongside Kylian Mbappe of France and Cody Gakpo of Netherlands, both of whom have 3 goals so far and are tipped for the 2022 World Cup Golden Boot. However, France is yet to play the last group-stage match so Mbappe could be in the score yet again this evening.

Southgate’s confidence in could Rashford grow

Rashford didn’t start for England in their opening match in the 2022 World Cup. He came in as a substitute to score the 5th goal in the 71st minute. Rashford’s goal was an instant impact as he scored it seconds after replacing Bakayo Saka. That seemed to have been the magic wand for a player who must have been desperate to nail a spot in the starting XI.

However, Southgate did not start Rashford in the second game against England. He again made an appearance as a substitute in the 78th. England settled for the spoils after an ‘awful’ performance against the USA.

Impressive World Cup Stats for Rashford

For Rashford, one short on goal in the second game meant he could do more in the third game against Wales. He made it to the starting XI this time and scored a brace. Rashford’s two goals in the last group stage game have been hailed by fans and pundits, including Allan Shearer who now says the Man United forward is ‘well-in for a golden boot’ in the 2022 World Cup.

The first goal came off the game from a skillfully taken free kick by Rashford five minutes after the break. It was the icebreaker and Rashford dedicated the goal to a friend who died of cancer. Phil Foden scored a minute later but that wasn’t all. Rashford gave England their third and winning goal in the 68th minute.

With an 8.4 rating, the highest on England’s side in the clash with the USA, Rashford is highly likely to make the starting XI when England plays in the round of 16. Most importantly, the performance of Rashford, which puts him right at the centre of the golden boot chase, should endear him to Southgate. The England head coach received a backlash from fans following a barren draw with the USA in their second fixture. England players were also booed in the aftermath of the 0-0 draw.

England is up against Senegal in round 16

After making two appearances in the first two games, Rashford is likely to play a key role in England’s matches going forward. Rashford’s current hot form is a boost to the Man United number 9 who has been quite underwhelming since the 2021/22 PL season began. The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo means Ten Hag who has looked to favour Rashford will now rely heavily on the 25-year-old for the remainder of the season.

The Three Lions have made it to the round of 16 after topping Group B with 7 points from 3 games. England will now face Senegal in round 16 on 4th December at 19:00 PM UK time. The Lions of Teranga emerged second in group A and look to continue their fine form in the first-ever encounter with England’s Three Lions.


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