Marcus Rashford could not have done any more and should start for England against Tunisia, says Danny Murphy

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Danny Murphy8 June 2018

I would start Marcus Rashford against Tunisia after his performance last night. What more could he have done?

His first-half performance was absolutely incredible and he showed everything he brings to this England team. The skill, the positivity, the finish for his goal - all the qualities we know he has come to the fore, and he has given Gareth Southgate a real headache now.

I would play him tucked in off a wide area. Rather than being high and central, I prefer him coming from deeper and wider positions so he can see what is ahead of him and can get into those No10 positions.

But if he plays off the right, off the left or in the No10 role it does not matter because he found space and roamed quite freely against Costa Rica.

I am pleased for him because I do not think he has had enough game time at Manchester United for his ability. He just happens to be at one of the biggest clubs in the world who have some unbelievable attacking talent. Rashford looks fresh but Gareth sees the players train every day and that is a big indicator of someone’s sharpness.

What you want from friendlies is players to show they are desperate to play. There could have been a few feeling sorry for themselves last night and thinking that because they were playing in the final warm-up game they are not first choice. But every one of them played with a good tempo and Rashford epitomised that.

It was great to see so much energy and enthusiasm from lads who could think they will be on the bench for the opening group game on June 18.

They controlled the game for long periods and knew when to press and when to drop. Fabian Delph, especially in the first half triggered lots of pressing. It was a positive indication that this is a group that is really together.

The team look like they have an identity and the players know what they are trying to do.

Steve Holland was my youth coach at Crewe Alexandra and he is a gifted coach who is very tactically-aware. I played with Gareth and he was always bright, articulate and spotted things.

They are two very bright young coaches who are never going to let the team go onto the pitch disorganised. That is a big start and then, added to that, you have got the energy, hunger and a lack of fear because most of these players have not failed before.

With a bit of luck I think England can get the semi-finals in Russia. We have been given a good draw and a good pathway to reach the quarter-finals.

That should be the aim for this squad and they might even go further.

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