MY ACCOUNT
Marcus Rashford is hoping he gets a chance to redeem himself from a missed penalty in England’s European Championship final defeat to Italy during the World Cup.
The Manchester United forward was among three members of Gareth Southgate’s side to fail to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma from the spot in the shootout, alongside Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka.
The trio were then subject to racial abuse on social media, but that has not put him off stepping up for the Three Lions if required in Qatar.
“Racism is not good to go through as an individual but it’s not good to see anyone go through it. [It’s] more just disappointment. You’re disappointed that people have views like that,” he said.
“And the main reason is that you don’t have those views about anyone else, regardless of their race or religion. It’s more the disappointment that people are thinking those things, rather than saying them.
“I’ve missed a penalty before. You never want to miss a penalty, it’s a great opportunity for forwards especially to score goals, and obviously they’re big moment.
“As an individual I’ve always been comfortable with and enjoy big moments so I’m hoping I get to take another penalty in the tournament. I’m looking forward to it.”
England were booed off following a goalless draw against the United States last time out, but stand on the brink of qualification for the knockout stages – with only a four-goal defeat to Wales in the final match enough to send them home.
Rashford is confident England will do what is required and will “leave it all out on the pitch” against Wales.
“It is not often I come away with England and feel like we’re going to lose games. I think as a collective, we’re very strong,” he added.
“The togetherness is really high and it is a big feature that Gareth puts emphasis on.
“It is something we have worked on and it has improved as time has gone on. But like I said, the main reason why we are in the position we’re in is because we have good players who are willing to work for one another and leave it all out on the pitch.
“In the next game, we’ll definitely look to do that.”
