Stuart Pearce reveals Marcus Rashford frustration after what he saw in England win
Aston Villa loan star Marcus Rashford has looked revitalised since his move to Villa Park, and he is now back in the England national team setup.
Rashford was left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad under Gareth Southgate, after a disappointing season at Manchester United.
His struggles eventually led to his departure from Old Trafford after being frozen out the Man United squad, and Aston Villa benefitted as they landed Rashford on loan in the January transfer window.
The winger has impressed so far, and his strong form under Unai Emery earned him a recall to the England squad, and a start over Latvia.
Stuart Pearce gives Marcus Rashford verdict after England win
Rashford impressed in England’s 3-0 victory over Latvia, and was an electric presence on the left wing in Thomas Tuchel’s second game in charge.
Speaking after the game, England legend Stuart Pearce praised Rashford’s display, but expressed his frustration that he has not been able to deliver these performances consistently in recent years.
“The reason why we talk about him – we know he’s capable of the performance we saw tonight, and that’s what frustrates footballing people I think,” Pearce told talkSPORT after the win at Wembley.
| Stat | Marcus Rashford |
| Appearances | 9 |
| Minutes | 461 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 4 |
“We know he’s playing within himself on occasion, and has done this season, and lost a little bit of focus about his profession we think from the outside.
“We know that he’s got the ability to put a man-of-the-match performance on and put defenders on the back foot like very few players can do in English football.
“It was really refreshing to see that performance from him tonight.”
Marcus Rashford finding his form at Aston Villa
Rashford’s strong display for England was another sign that he could end up finding his best form again at Villa Park.
Although he is yet to score for his new club, he has provided four assists in nine games, and he has made just one start. However, he looks re-energised, as he has a point to prove at Villa.
Emery has often taken his time to integrate new signings into the starting XI of his teams, but it may only be a matter of time before Rashford finds consistent starts at Villa, after a bright first two months at the club.
If he can continue to impress, it does seem likely that Villa will try and keep the forward beyond the end of the season, and Rashford will hope his improved form can continue before next year’s World Cup.