Rashford's a star but failed to earn stripes

AN OFF-NIGHT FOR MARCUS IN AUDITION FOR WORLD CUP

- BY NEIL McLEMAN

NEITHER of the two stars who scored the last two England goals at Euro 2024 - Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer - are in Thomas Tuchel's final squad of 2025.

But Marcus Rashford, who did not even go to Germany, had a clear chance to book his ticket to North America last night. And the on-loan Barcelona forward failed to grab it with either foot.

At 28, Rashford should be at the peak of his powers and a superstar at his third World Cup next summer.

But last month Thomas Tuchel warned him to finally live up to the potential he first showed when he scored on his England debut in 2016.

"He has the potential, but potential is a dangerous word with high-level sports," said the German.