Marcus Rashford expressed his delight at playing alongside Jude Bellingham after the latter played a pivotal role in England’s 3-1 victory over Italy.
The victory secured England’s place in the 2024 European Championships, although they had to come from behind at Wembley Stadium.
Gianluca Scamacca, a former West Ham United striker, opened the scoring for Italy in the first half. However, England equalized before the break when Harry Kane converted a penalty after Bellingham was fouled by Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
In the second half, England improved and took the lead with a brilliant counter-attack, with Bellingham making a remarkable run through midfield and setting up Rashford, who scored with a low shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Kane secured qualification for Euro 2024 when he broke free from Alessandro Bastoni and scored in the closing stages of the game. Bellingham received a standing ovation when he was substituted.
Rashford praised the impact Bellingham has had on the England team during a post-match interview with Channel 4.
“He is an unbelievable player, not just his quality but he is full of energy. He is a joy to play with. He didn’t score today but you can see his huge influence, going forwards especially,” Rashford said.
In spite of Manchester United’s sluggish start to the 2023–24 season, Rashford’s superb goal is just his second overall this year. However, after missing the previous international window due to a number of injuries, he has re-entered Gareth Southgate’s plans as a crucial player.
When asked if this is the best form he’s ever shown in an England shirt, Rashford replied, “Maybe. I feel like I am ready to kick on. It is about winning as many games as possible for me, whether you start or are on the bench. When it is your moment you have to take it.
“We started the game well. We were unlucky to concede the goal. A couple of times in the first half they caught us on the overload. We kept cool heads and trying to play the football we had played in training and it paid off.”