Declan Rice has backed “special” Manchester United star Marcus Rashford to win the World Cup Golden Boot, as the West Ham man heaped praise on the forward after his fine start to the tournament.
Rashford currently sits joint top of the scoring charts in Qatar, as he finds himself in esteemed company alongside France’s Kylian Mbappe, the Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo and Ecuador’s Enner Valencia on three goals each. The United man was called up to Gareth Southgate’s starting XI for England’s final group phase game against Wales after being used as a substitute for the matches against Iran and the USA, as he repaid his manager’s faith with a brace.
The 25-year-old scored a sumptuous free-kick to give his country the lead in the 50th minute, before adding his second and England’s third with 20 minutes to go after driving at the Welsh defence with scintillating speed. United’s top goalscorer in the Premier League this season was unlucky not to score a hat-trick, as Danny Ward blocked his shot at the near post.
And now his fellow compatriot Rice has said there is no reason why Rashford cannot go on to win the Golden Boot, as he heaped praise on the Three Lions forward while speaking to the media ahead of the round of 16 clash with Senegal on Sunday.
Rice said: “From the first moment I come into the England set up, I said Marcus is one of the standout people I was so surprised by. He’s just lightning quick, his speed, his eye for goal, the way he hits a ball, which is really special the technique he’s got on him.
“I know he had a tough year last year but no one ever doubted his quality and to now see him back on the biggest stage doing it, you know, it makes me really happy and I know it’s making the team happy as well.
“[On Rashford’s chances of winning the Golden Boot] Listen, there’s no reason why he can’t. You see he had a big chance in the first half [against Wales], I think if he keeps making them attacking runs behind the back line, like he does for United, he’s going to keep getting the chances so it would be amazing for him to win the Golden Boot. I would be delighted for him if he achieved that.”