Marcus Rahsford made an instant impact in his debut for England, scoring at 138 seconds after kick-off for a 2-1 friendly victory against Australia.
His Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney scored his 52nd England goal in the 55th minute. Australia received their consolation in the form of Eric Dier’s own goal with 15 minutes left, heading into his net at the near post from Alex Wilkinson’s cross.
Rashford’s goal was also a history maker as he became the youngest ever English player who makes the mark in their international debut. The record was first set by Tommy Lawton at October 1938 – who was 19 years and 16 days old then, while Rashford was 18 years and 208 days.
He has also scored with his first shot in the Europa League, the Premier League and at international level, all within a prodigious 92-day period. In training and the match, the teenager demonstrated pace, control and a nerveless approach.
There was also that familiar sense of maturity the youngster had shown when playing for United. Even when he fumbled on a chance in the second half, he recovered his poise quickly to send a cross flashing into the six-yard box with his England colleagues just unable to get a touch.
Such a performance would ease any manager’s worries, and would certainly be bore in the mind of Roy Hodgson, as he ponders who in his provisional 26-man squad has to be removed in order to cut the squad down to 23-man for the Euro 2016.
Meanwhile, clearly wary about poachers of the rare young prodigy, Marcus Rashford is rewarded a £20,000-a-week contract with Manchester United. The striker has one year left on his current deal but the Red Devils are clearly not taking any chances, moving swiftly to offer him a long-term contract.