Marcus Rashford says he would volunteer to take a kick in a penalty shootout at the World Cup and is actively hoping the scenario arises, as he reflected on his remarkable comeback story.
The England forward missed in the shootout defeat against Italy in the Euro 2020 final and endured racist abuse on social media. He then laboured sorely at Manchester United last season, also losing his place in the England squad. Injuries were a factor. But after a reset over the summer, when he pushed himself through a punishing fitness regime, he has recovered his form, scoring vital Premier League goals to earn the recall from Gareth Southgate.
Rashford scored within seconds of coming on as a substitute in England's 6-2 win against Iran in their World Cup opener - his first involvement since the penalty miss against Italy - and he is champing at the bit to feature in their final group-phase tie against Wales tomorrow. His confidence is back, as evidenced by his reply to the question about whether he would have any doubts over stepping up again in a shootout.
"No, not at all," he said. "They are big moments and I've always been comfortable with them. I enjoy being in big moments so I'm hoping we get to take another penalty in the tournament. I'm looking forward to it."
This story is from the November 28, 2022 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the November 28, 2022 edition of The Guardian.
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