Graham Ruthven: Can Marcus Rashford carry his impressive Barcelona form into the 2026 World Cup?

CATALONIA might only be Marcus Rashford’s temporary home, but he clearly belongs there. The 28-year-old joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United to revive his career, and that’s exactly what he has done, registering six goals and seven assists in just 16 appearances for Hansi Flick’s side.

While Rashford initially appeared destined to be a rotational figure for the Spanish champions, he has most recently been a key figure. Against Celta Vigo on Sunday, the English winger contributed two assists and played an integral role in setting up Lamine Yamal for another. Barca might not have won without Rashford on the pitch.

No player in Europe's top 5 leagues has more assists than Marcus Rashford 🤯807 minutes. 7 assists. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZGA9GQCOfn

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 10, 2025

This is good news for England. There is an open spot in Thomas Tuchel’s frontline, assuming Harry Kane will start up front at the 2026 World Cup with Bukayo Saka on the right, and Rashford is making himself the frontrunner to grab it. The Three Lions might end up benefiting from his Barcelona loan.

Tuchel is working through a few things at the moment. He has settled on a pairing of Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice at the base of his midfield, but it’s not yet clear how England will shape up in the number 10 position. Indeed, Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Morgan Rogers have been used there with varying results.

The left side is also a concern. Anthony Gordon has been favoured there in a number of Tuchel’s early England matches, but the Newcastle United winger still has to prove he can impact games at the highest level on a consistent basis. Some have called for Jack Grealish to be called up.

 

Rashford, however, is in the best form of any other left-sided attacker available to Tuchel, with the 28-year-old an increasingly important player for one of the best teams in Europe. In his current form, it’s difficult to imagine England lining up for the opening game of the World Cup with anyone other than Rashford on the left.

“He can be one of the best in the world,” said Tuchel when asked about Rashford’s current level. “The quality I see in training, the finishing with both legs and with the head. He is explosive, he is fast, he is strong in the air, so where are the limits? There are no limits, but the numbers don’t reach the potential. He needs to push himself into goal involvements. That means goals and assists. He knows that from me.”

On recent evidence, Rashford has embraced the challenge set out for him by the England manager. The 28-year-old is making quicker decisions in the final third of the pitch. He is being more incisive in front of goal, giving Barcelona a different dimension. Rashford has rediscovered his groove.

England might have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, but the final two qualifiers against Serbia and Albania present an opportunity for a number of players, including Rashford. Two impactful performances could effectively see him cement his place in Tuchel’s starting lineup for next summer.

Many doubted Rashford would ever return to the level he has found for Barcelona this season. He appeared washed up at Manchester United. The winger had become a scapegoat for Ruben Amorim and faced questions over his commitment and work ethic. Barca took a risk by signing him, albeit only on loan.

That risk looks to have paid off, and so Tuchel must attempt to ride the wave of Rashford’s recent performances at club level by giving him a chance to translate his Barcelona form into something meaningful for England ahead of the World Cup. Barca’s new match-winning winger could be England’s too.

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