Marcus Rashford admitted it’s a “joy” to play with Jude Bellingham after he played a starring role in England’s 3-1 win over Italy.
The Three Lions secured their spot at the 2024 European Championships with three points against the Azzurri, though they had to come from behind at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night.
Former West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca opened the scoring in the first half, but Harry Kane equalised from the penalty spot before the break after Bellingam was tripped by Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
England improved in the second half and went ahead with a scintillating counter attack, with Bellingham dancing through midfield and teeing up Rashford, who drilled a low strike past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Qualification to Euro 2024 was secured when Kane wrestled free of Alessandro Bastoni and fired home in the closing stages of the game. Bellingham was substituted soon after to rapturous applause and a standing ovation.
Speaking to Channel 4 post-match, Rashford hailed the impact that Bellingham has made for England.
“He is an unbelievable player, not just his quality but he is full of energy. He is a joy to play with. He didn’t score today but you can see his huge influence, going forwards especially,” Rashford said.
Rashford’s fine strike is only the second goal he’s scored in all competitions so far this season amid Manchester United’s slow start to the 2023/24 campaign. But having previously missed out on international windows with various injury problems, he’s worked his way back into Gareth Southgate’s plans as a key player.
When asked if this is the best form he’s ever showed in an England shirt, Rashford replied: “Maybe. I feel like I am ready to kick on. It is about winning as many games as possible for me, whether you start or are on the bench. When it is your moment you have to take it.
“We started the game well. We were unlucky to concede the goal. A couple of times in the first half they caught us on the overload. We kept cool heads and trying to play the football we had played in training and it paid off.”