Marcus Rashford's Fitness Concern Ahead of World Cup Clash with Ghana

Marcus Rashford has emerged as an early fitness concern for England ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup clash with Ghana in Boston, casting a shadow over his most explosive international display in months.

The Manchester United forward came off the bench to devastating effect in the 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas, scoring England’s fourth and sealing a thrilling second-half turnaround. But the night ended with a grimace, not a grin.

Rashford, 28, reported tightness in his hamstring and glute area after the game and sat out a behind-closed-doors training match against Sporting Kansas City, which England’s fringe players won 5-1.

From impact sub to injury doubt

On Wednesday, Rashford replaced Anthony Gordon in the 72nd minute and immediately changed the tempo. Direct, aggressive, relentless. He stretched Croatia on the counter, repeatedly drove at tired legs and capped his cameo with a clinical finish to round off the scoring.

It was his 19th goal in 73 caps, but more tellingly his first in nine England appearances. The kind of moment that can flip a tournament on its head for a forward who has been searching for rhythm on the international stage.

That surge of form has come at a delicate time in the group. England face Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, a game that could seal qualification. Rashford’s late impact against Croatia had put him in strong contention to start ahead of Barcelona’s new signing Gordon, who had initially been preferred in Dallas.

Instead, the winger woke up on the treatment table rather than the training pitch.

No training, no panic – yet

Rashford played no part in Thursday’s practice game against Sporting Kansas City, a session designed to give minutes to those who did not start against Croatia. England’s second string made light work of the MLS side, with Ivan Toney helping himself to a hat-trick in two 25-minute halves.

Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins were also on the scoresheet, underlining the depth of attacking options waiting in reserve. Eberechi Eze, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Kobbie Mainoo and Jarell Quansah were among those involved, all pushing their case in the shadows while the focus lingered on Rashford’s fitness.

The coaching staff will hope the tightness is nothing more than a minor reaction to a high-intensity outing. The plan is for Rashford to be assessed again before tomorrow’s training session, with England desperate to avoid losing a player who finally looks sharp and confident in front of goal.

A rare pause before the push

In a rare breather during a World Cup schedule, the entire squad has been granted a day off in Kansas to spend time with friends and family. Some players have chosen to stay back at the team hotel, preferring quiet preparation before the second group game that could define their route through the tournament.

The break offers a mental reset. It also buys a little time.

Time for Rashford’s hamstring to settle. Time for the medical team to decide whether England’s most dynamic substitute against Croatia can be trusted from the start against Ghana, or whether the safer call is to lean again on Gordon and keep Rashford as a weapon from the bench.

For now, England have momentum, goals from all angles and qualification in their sights. Whether Rashford is at full throttle in Boston could shape just how far that momentum carries them.