Marcus Rashford called his England recall a “full-circle moment” after overcoming recent setbacks to make Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
The forward thanked Unai Emery and Hansi Flick for helping revive his career, but made no mention of Manchester United.
Rashford Reflects On England Return After Difficult Period
Rashford was delighted to be named in England’s 2026 World Cup squad.
The attacker was previously left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad and faced uncertainty over his international future before rediscovering his best form after moving to Barcelona on loan from United.
He credited his recent experiences for helping him grow both personally and professionally ahead of the tournament, including loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona.
He spent the second half of the 2024-25 campaign at Villa, where he scored four goals in 17 appearances, before his summer loan move to the Catalan club, where he has struck 14 times and provided 14 assists to regain his place in the national team.
Rashford Thanks Emery, Flick and Tuchel
The forward reacted to the announcement on social media and admitted the disappointment of missing Euro 2024 became a driving force in his comeback.
In expressing his gratitude to Villa and Barca, however, he noticeably omitted United from his statement, having endured a tumultuous spell at the club before his eventual exit.
“Today marks a full-circle moment for me, from despair to jubilation,” he wrote on social media. “Missing out on that [2024] Euros squad helped me develop each as a participant and an individual, and most significantly, gave me a objective to work in direction of. Thanks a lot for this chance, and I can’t wait to tug on the shirt on the World Cup.
He added: “Particular due to Unai, Hansi, Thomas, Aston Villa, Barcelona and England for believing in me when issues bought robust.”
Nonetheless, the response to his submit sparked a follow-up from Rashford, which learn: “To make my IG story clear. It is not a dig of any kind! I am a MU supporter, and that continues to be.
“I used to be exhibiting gratitude to the golf equipment and coaches that I’ve labored with over the previous 18 months.”
“They’ve performed an enormous position on this [England] call-up.”
Tuchel Ushers In A New England Period
Tuchel’s first main event squad included a number of high-profile omissions.
Harry Maguire, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been all left out of the final 26-man group in among the largest choice surprises.
The Three Lions head into the World Cup below new management with expectations excessive as soon as once more.
England Put together For Tuchel’s First Main Event
England will now start preparations for the 2026 World Cup with Tuchel aiming to rapidly set up his most well-liked system and hierarchy throughout the squad.
Rashford’s resurgence offers England one other skilled attacking choice alongside Harry Kane.
They are going to kick off the event with a Group L match in opposition to Croatia on June 17, adopted by group matches in opposition to Ghana and Panama.
2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Unfold throughout three international locations, the event will culminate with the ultimate on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 event matches will air dwell throughout FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with each match streaming dwell and on-demand inside each the FOX One and the FOX Sports activities app. A report 40 matches, greater than one-third of the event, will air in prime time throughout FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream free of charge on Tubi, in addition to the USA’s opening match in opposition to Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).
