Marcus Rashford's Fitness Scare Ahead of Ghana Match

Marcus Rashford has handed England an untimely fitness scare just as his World Cup is catching fire.

The Manchester United forward, so electric off the bench in the 4-2 win over Croatia, reported tightness in his hamstring after his late cameo and did not take part in England’s practice match against Sporting Kansas City.

Rashford, 28, came on for Barcelona’s new signing Anthony Gordon in the 72nd minute in Dallas and transformed England’s right flank. He ran at defenders, stretched Croatia’s tiring back line and capped his impact with England’s fourth goal, a crisp finish that sealed the result and underlined a vastly improved second-half display.

It was his 19th goal in 73 caps, but also his first for his country in nine games. A drought snapped, a confidence surge banked – and then the grimace.

After the final whistle he complained of pain in the hamstring and glute area. England’s medical staff moved quickly, and the decision was made to leave him out of the behind-closed-doors run-out against MLS side Sporting Kansas City, which the Three Lions won 5-1.

Rashford’s absence was precautionary, but with Ghana looming in Boston on Tuesday, it is an unwelcome cloud over an otherwise buoyant camp. He is pushing hard to start that game, aiming to dislodge Gordon, who was preferred from the outset against Croatia.

For now, England wait.

Day off, but minds on Ghana

The squad have been given a full day off in Kansas to spend time with friends and family who have travelled out, a deliberate move from the England manager to ease the mental load before a pivotal second group match that could secure qualification.

Some players have chosen the quiet of the team hotel instead, staying locked into their own routines as Ghana comes into view.

Out on the training pitch, those who did not feature against Croatia – or played only limited minutes – sharpened up in the friendly against Sporting Kansas City. Ivan Toney stole the show with a hat-trick, a statement performance even in a closed-door setting. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins also found the net in the two 25-minute halves.

Eberechi Eze, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Kobbie Mainoo and Jarell Quansah were among those involved, all jostling for relevance and rhythm in a squad suddenly brimming with attacking options.

That depth is England’s safety net. But Rashford’s form, and the direct threat he brings, gives the attack a different edge.

Selection dilemma brewing

If the hamstring tightness eases and Rashford returns to training tomorrow, the manager faces a genuine decision on the right wing in Boston.

Gordon earned the initial nod in Dallas. Rashford changed the game from the bench.

One has the shirt. The other has the momentum.

For England, the hope is simple: that the only thing stopping Rashford from starting against Ghana is selection, not a scan.