SUNDERLAND: Marcus Rashford became England’s third youngest goalscorer as the teenage Manchester United striker netted after 135 seconds of his international debut against Australia on Friday.
Rashford’s meteoric rise hit new heights at the Stadium of Light when he opened the scoring with a cool volley from Raheem Sterling’s deflected cross in the third minute of England’s 2-1 Euro 2016 warm-up win.
At the age of 18 years and 209 days, Rashford is behind only former Liverpool star Michael Owen (18 years and 164 days) and United captain Wayne Rooney (17 years 317 days) in the list of the youngest scorers in an England shirt.
He is the youngest England player ever to score on his debut.
Rashford only made his United bow in February and has just 18 club appearances to his name.
But he has now staked a strong claim for a place in England’s final 23-man squad for the European Championships in France.
“Wow! The incredible rise of MarcusRashford continues. Brilliant goal on his @England debut. Congratulations!” former England striker Alan Shearer tweeted.
Rashford was eventually substituted after 63 minutes and will now wait to discover his Euro fate in the next few days.
England team-mate Jordan Henderson has no doubts about Rashford’s ability to make an impact in France.
“Incredible really. That’s the season he’s had. He has no fear and wants the ball all the time. It was a great finish,” said Henderson of Rashford’s dream debut.
“He’s got everything, good on the ball, good movement and good finishing. He can be a big player for club and country.
“He made an impact tonight. If given the opportunity (to be in Euro 2016 squad) I’m sure he will do well but it depends on the manager.”
