The 18-year-old forward scored twice on his debut for the Red Devils against Danish side Midtjylland, helping Manchester United knock the Wolves out of the Europa League. Rashford then scored twice against Arsenal at Old Trafford in the Premier League. He also scored against Manchester City and Aston Villa, both matches ending in 1-0 wins for Man United, and he had one assist in the Premiership.
Rashford showed his goal-scoring abilities against West Ham United in the FA Cup quarter-final replay. He opened the scoring in the 56th minute and helped his team reach the semi-finals.
Many people compared Rashford with Wayne Rooney. The England forward made his debut for the Three Lions at 18 and became the top scorer in the national team’s history. But was Rashford ready to take on that responsibility and play for England, with Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck in the squad? Finding a place in the Euro 2016 squad would be extremely difficult for him, but not impossible.
In an interview, Roy Hodgson said that taking Rashford would be a brave decision, because it would mean leaving someone else out. Still, the England manager added, it would be foolish to say the youngster was not ready or could not cope, and he was sure Rashford could handle the pressure. If there were enough places and England could take 30 players to France, Rashford would certainly be considered. With only 23 places, however, choosing the attacking players was going to be a headache. Hodgson said he was impressed by Rashford, who would not have kept his place at Manchester United if Louis van Gaal had not believed he deserved it. But with the players available and all the competition in attack, a call-up for Rashford looked unlikely.
Marcus Rashford would need luck to see his name in the England squad for Euro 2016. If he produced something extraordinary before the end of the season, though, the youngster could dream of being selected for the European Championship.
How the debate was settled
Rashford, born in Manchester on 31 October 1997, finished his breakthrough season with 8 goals in 18 appearances for Manchester United. The campaign ended with a trophy: on 21 May 2016 he led the line in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, which United won 2-1.
The question of whether he was ready for international football was answered within days. On 27 May 2016 he made his England debut against Australia at the Stadium of Light. Rashford scored after three minutes of a 2-1 win and became the youngest Englishman to score on his international debut. Hodgson then included him in the final 23-man squad for France, the call-up that had looked so unlikely only weeks earlier.
Euro 2016 and after
At the tournament Rashford made two appearances from the bench. He replaced Adam Lallana in the group game against Wales on 16 June 2016, which England won 2-1, and came on late in the 2-1 defeat by Iceland in Nice on 27 June 2016, the Round of 16 match that ended England’s campaign.
He kept his place in later tournament squads. At the 2018 World Cup he scored in the penalty shoot-out against Colombia in the Round of 16, and England went on to finish fourth. At Euro 2020 he came on in the closing minutes of extra time in the final against Italy on 11 July 2021, and his penalty in the shoot-out struck the post as Italy won the trophy.
Questions people ask
Did Marcus Rashford go to Euro 2016?
Yes. Roy Hodgson named Rashford in the England squad for Euro 2016, and he made two substitute appearances. He came on against Wales on 16 June 2016 and late in the 2-1 defeat by Iceland.
When did Marcus Rashford make his England debut?
Rashford made his England debut against Australia at the Stadium of Light on 27 May 2016. He scored after three minutes in a 2-1 win and became the youngest Englishman to score on his international debut.
How many goals did Rashford score in his first season at Manchester United?
Rashford scored 8 goals in 18 appearances for Manchester United in 2015-16. His first two came on his senior debut against Midtjylland in the Europa League in February 2016.
When was Marcus Rashford born?
Marcus Rashford was born in Manchester on 31 October 1997. He was 18 when he broke into the Manchester United first team and the England squad.