Fans react as Marcus Rashford did something no player has ever done before vs Latvia

England fans react to Marcus Rashford’s performance vs Latvia amid ‘cheat storm’

Jonathan Burnett
Jonathan Burnett
Tue 25 March 2025 9:07, UK
Marcus Rashford’s second consecutive start for England has seen the Aston Villa forward receive middling reviews on social media.

Rashford started back-to-back Three Lions matches for the first time since October 2023 in this month’s qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, occupying the left edge after returning to form at Villa Park.

The 27-year-old couldn’t add his name to the scoresheet in two comfortable England victories as Reece James, Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze found the net against Latvia on Monday, but did still spark debate.

Rashford’s return to the England team – and the starting lineup for Tuchel’s first two matches – comes at the expense of several in-form Premier League players, with Morgan Gibbs-White not getting a kick.
Furthermore, while he was a lively presence down the flanks and posed an ever-present threat on the break, one incident mid-game highlighted where the Manchester United loanee still needs to improve.
Marcus Rashford slammed for ‘blatant cheating’ v Latvia

Rashford’s 79 minutes at Wembley on Monday may have come without a goal or assist, but in the early stages, he darted into the box before going down all-too easily under pressure from Roberts Savalnieks.
England weren’t given the penalty Rashford was clearly after, and though Harry Kane did score his 71st international goal in the second half, ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett demanded action against Rashford.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider on 24 March, Hackett said: “The action by Rashford is blatant cheating.

England fans react to ‘selfish’ Marcus Rashford display

Though Rashford’s early penalty shout was rendered moot by James curling home a sensational first-half free-kick against Latvia, the Villa forward’s overall performance didn’t convince the masses.

Rashford did receive praise from some pundits for his display, but many fans on social media questioned these verdicts, arguing Morgan Rogers and Declan Rice provided more effective link-up play with Kane.

At 27, Rashford is no longer the bright-eyed young star who burst onto the scene as Manchester United and England’s next great hope, and that’s been reflected in numerous assessments of his performance.