Marcus Rashford left his England teammates open-mouthed in their final training session ahead of facing Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, delivering an audacious nutmeg that sent Harry Kane falling to the floor laughing. The 28-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona, scooped the ball after a tap from John Stones and released a rapid flick to find Morgan Rogers—through the legs of Ezri Konsa. As the Aston Villa defender clambered, Rashford was in hysterics; Jarell Quansah, Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Dan Burn all quickly put hands on their heads, while Djed Spence covered his mouth. Kane eventually fell to the floor laughing, and Rashford stomped away doing the same. Konsa simply ran away.
The moment was the latest example of a trait Bukayo Saka has long noted. “I have to say Rashy, Rashy is very good at the rondos,” Saka said. “He hardly ever goes in, and every time I’ve been in the box he has to nutmeg someone, at least one person.” Jordan Henderson added: “Rashy will probably get the most megs.” Declan Rice praised the Manchester United academy product: “Rashford is very good in the box, he’s just so smooth with it, his feet are so sharp. He finds little pockets to pass into.”
“Marcus Rashford nutmegs Ezri Konsa in training, leaving Harry Kane and England teammates in disbelief before Mexico World Cup clash.”
England are preparing to enter hostile territory: the Azteca, one of world football’s great theatres, where Pele won his third World Cup and Maradona scored his goal of the century. The Three Lions have not played there since being eliminated from the 1986 World Cup by Maradona’s Argentina. Now, for the first time since then, they return to face Mexico in the last 16.
The stadium sits squat in the south of Mexico City, a high-altitude valley surrounded by mountains. Its steep sides, proximity of stands to the pitch, and underground dressing rooms make it colossal and uproarious. “There is just something very special about Azteca,” Pele recalled. “You need to be inside it, to feel it, to understand.”
England’s squad had to contend with drumming and fireworks outside their hotel on Saturday evening, but Thomas Tuchel will not allow that as an excuse. “We had no issues tonight and I think Fifa took care of the situation,” Tuchel said. “We have security around the hotel so we expect a good night.” Rashford has started England’s last two matches, against Panama and DR Congo, and will hope to retain his place for a third match in succession, facing competition from Anthony Gordon on the left.
Rashford has also drawn praise from Jordan Henderson, who added: “Rashy will probably get the most megs.” Rice also offered some praise: “Rashford is very good in the box, he’s just so smooth with it, his feet are so sharp. He finds little pockets to pass into.”
The stage is set for a clash that will test England’s nerve in the most majestic of football cathedrals.