England patience key for Rashford

MARCUS Rashford is ready to lead the line at Manchester United, but accepts he must wait for his chance with England.

The 19-year-old has not started an international game since scoring on his full senior debut against Australia in May, 2016.

But he became United's main striker at the end of the season following Zlatan Ibrahimovic's serious knee injury, helping them win the Europa League in May.

Rashford scored 11 goals in 53 games for United to convince England boss Gareth Southgate to select him for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Scotland and next week's friendly in France.

GOAL

The forward capped a whirlwind first campaign with a debut England goal after three minutes in last year's 2-1 win over Australia, but is prepared to bide his time for a next senior start.

"Of course it's difficult, but it always is," said Rashford, who has eight caps. "If it's not difficult there's a problem because it means there's not enough top players about. But there are top players and it's good competition.

"You're always improving when you come away with England. It's massive watching these forwards - the likes of Harry (Kane), Jermain (Defoe) and (Jamie) Vardy. They are top-quality forwards and just being in and around them is massive for my development."

Wayne Rooney is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer and Ibrahimovic's future is in doubt with his one-year contract expiring this month, leaving Rashford as one of United's best attacking options.

They have been linked with a move for Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata but Rashford is confident he can handle the pressure of being the team's main man.

He said: "Yeah, I think it's what you do. If you don't believe in yourself, you can't expect other people to believe in you, so I was confident going into the games. It's just another step that you take, and taking on the responsibility, and take pride in doing it.

"I didn't learn much about myself, to be honest, because I knew how I would react to certain situations.

"It's more about what other people have learned about me. None of that mattered as long as we got through the season and got the trophy.

"There were a lot of injuries but that's what happens in football and you have to be ready for the moment."

United boss Jose Mourinho wanted Rashford to stay with the senior England side and avoid this month's European Under-21 Championship in Poland, saying he saw no point in his striker going.

Southgate ultimately selected him for the senior side and Rashford believes Mourinho's influence on him over the past season has been key.

"A lot of people have a lot of opinions about him but what he has done is clear to see - it's not all what people say," Rashford added. "I've made a lot of appearances under him this year and I've earned his trust, which is important. He's got me to where I am.

"To be honest, he lets you get on with it and make your own decisions - lets you mature. If he has to step in then he will."