Sunderland: Marcus Rashford made a bold claim for a place at Euro 2016 as the Manchester United sensation took just 135 seconds to became the youngest player to score on his England debut in the 2-1 win against Australia.
Rashford's meteoric rise hit new heights when the teenage striker opened the scoring in the Euro 2016 warm-up with a clinical volley at the Stadium of Light on Friday. No player of such a tender age had ever found the net on his England bow and at the age of 18 years and 209 days, Rashford is behind only former Liverpool star Michael Owen (18 years and 164 days) and United captain Wayne Rooney (17 years 317 days) in the list of the youngest scorers in an England shirt.
Rashford has less than a season's worth of experience, but England manager Roy Hodgson now has strong evidence he is already worthy of featuring at the European Championships. Rooney came off the bench to score England's second after the interval before Australia got one back through Eric Dier's own goal. "What a debut. You asked if he was capable of dealing with the situation and I think we got a resounding yes," Hodgson said.
But, while Rashford shone, there was concern over United defender Chris Smalling, who limped off in the second half. Hodgson, who made eight changes from Sunday's win over Turkey, has until May 31 to name his final 23-man squad.
Just 92 days ago, Rashford was an unknown yet to play a professional game as he strove to emerge from the youth ranks at Old Trafford. But he has seized his chance in remarkable fashion, scoring eight goals in 18 United appearances.
With Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge sidelined with a calf problem, Rashford was selected as the 10th youngest player in England history and any thoughts he might be fazed by the latest step in his fairytale career were erased in the third minute.
Receiving possession 25 yards from goal, Rashford moved the ball onto Raheem Sterling before advancing into the penalty area. When Sterling's cross deflected off Bailey Wright and looped high into the air, Rashford adjusted his stride and hit a close-range volley that flashed under Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan. (Agencies)
