After an exciting summer of World Cup action and a creditable narrow defeat to Spain in their opening UEFA Nations League game over the weekend, 'dull international friendly' service resumed for Gareth Southgate's England as they took on Switzerland at the King Power Stadium.
Taking the opportunity to rotate his squad and rest a number of their World Cup stars, Southgate gave caps to a number of fringe players including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ruben Loftus-Cheek & James Tarkowski.
Among the starters looking to stake a claim for a regular berth up front was Marcus Rashford, who was paired up top with Danny Welbeck. The Manchester United youngster took advantage of a rare opportunity to play the majority of the game as the central striker in Harry Kane's absence, by scoring the only goal of the game on 54 minutes.
.@England lead against Switzerland!
Marcus Rashford is the scorer again, tapping in Kyle Walker's cross!
Watch live on Sky Sports Main Event now or follow: https://t.co/KdrNzOEYY5 pic.twitter.com/13AlzF0DtV— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 11, 2018
A Danny Rose corner went too deep and found it's way to Kyle Walker on the opposite side, who delivered it back across to the far post where Marcus Rashford found space to coolly volley the ball home, nut-megging the keeper in the process. It was his second goal in two games for the England team.
Rashford visibly grew in confidence after scoring the goal and Manchester United fans will hope this helps the young striker find form with a busy month of Premier League and Champions League action looming. The 20-year-old is set to score this season for the club and was sent off last time out against Burnley.
His time under Jose Mourinho has seen his progress halted after an exciting debut season under Louis Van Gaal, so this strike for England will be a timely reminder of what Rashford can do when he's playing with confidence.
The game was also a reminder of just how unbearable the England band are. With their rendition of Atomic Kitten's 'Whole Again' in tribute to Gareth Southgate on loop for almost the entire game, Rashford's goal was a rare moment of respite.
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