In a controversial display at Wembley, Marcus Rashford’s deliberate simulation nearly cost England a punishment during their commanding 3-0 victory over Latvia.
Under immense pressure to impress Thomas Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Marcus Rashford aimed to make a significant impact on the match. The England squad faces stiff competition, and every move counts.
The 27-year-old, currently on loan to Aston Villa from Manchester United, charged aggressively into Latvia’s penalty area. He surged forward with clear intent, drawing cheers from the home crowd at Wembley.
Rashford tumbled under pressure from Latvia’s Roberts Savalnieks, sparking immediate debate over his simulation. The referee, however, declined to award a penalty despite the evident fall.
Reece James unleashed a stunning free-kick in the 38th minute to ease the mounting tension. Soon after, Declan Rice and Harry Kane combined in the 68th minute to secure a crucial two-goal lead.
Late substitute Eberechi Eze capitalized with a third goal, showcasing his pace and trickery. His decisive finish sealed a comfortable win without relying on controversial penalties.
Marcus Rashford featured for 79 minutes with an 82% passing accuracy (33 out of 40). He created 6 chances, completed 17% of his dribbles (1 of 6), delivered 27% accurate crosses (3 of 11), and won 25% of his ground duels (2 of 8).
An expert from fotnet24.net condemned Rashford’s act as blatant cheating, urging football authorities to enforce stricter measures against simulation. England now tops Group K with two wins, positioning themselves strongly for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
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