THAT'S SMILES BETTER, RASH

Marcus rewards boss' faith

- JEREMY CROSS

OGARETH SOUTHGATE will not bow to pressure and get involved in a popularity contest when it comes to picking the England team.

But perhaps he should start to.

Because his blind faith in the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Harry Maguire is starting to look about as popular as a poke in the eye with a big stick.

At least Phillips and Maguire have some sort of excuse, due to their lack of game time at club level.

But Marcus Rashford didn’t have any excuses ahead of last night’s visit of the Italians.

Just one goal in 10 Manchester United appearances this season on the back of a new deal worth £400,000-a-week.

Rashford will be 26 in two weeks.