Rashford soars in Barcelona, slumps in England
Scoring 6 goals and 9 assists for Barcelona, Rashford still left the field in the 66th minute against Serbia; Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka scored, exposing two opposite versions.
Marcus Rashford’s first start for England since moving to Spain ended in the 66th minute, just before Eberechi Eze came on and scored a superb winner; Bukayo Saka also scored on the opposite flank. The climax revealed a familiar paradox: Barcelona’s Rashford soaring, England’s Rashford slumping.
Rashford in Barcelona: unleashing energy, rekindling intuition
Rashford has been unleashed at Barcelona, scoring six goals and providing nine assists, including a stunning strike at St James' Park in the Champions League. It's a version of the man Louis van Gaal brought to light in 2016, scoring against Midtjylland and Arsenal in the space of a few days.
Living space is also a catalyst. In Spain, Rashford is simply “Marcus” – a footballer who can walk around Castelldefels or Sitges without being overly recognised. No more Covid-era political symbolism, no more media stories or murals. Just football and decisions on the pitch.
In England: a name weighed down by history and expectation
In contrast to Barcelona, in England he is “Rashford” – a name that carries with it expectations, responsibility and history: from the political confrontation with Boris Johnson to the painted hero image. The Serbia game featured a familiar refrain: a few moments of soft play – a delicate first-step pass from a long pass, a nutmeg that leaves a defender confused – but the play often ends in a dead end.
Thomas Tuchel’s comments in March about Rashford’s lack of impact on the game still ring true. On the opposite flank, Saka scored despite not being at his best, while Eze came on and finished cleanly. That’s the kind of efficiency a manager demands: getting the job done, making decisive decisions.
Tactical perspective: from impact to final destination
It’s not about individual skills, it’s about the net impact on the game. When Saka and Eze turn moments into goals, the contrast with Rashford’s play – beautiful but pointless – is clear. Tuchel wants clean, decisive play; the Serbia game showed that’s where the decision-maker and the sideline lie.
The foundation for Rashford to reinvent himself is still there. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once admitted that there was a time when Rashford no longer felt happy at Old Trafford. At Camp Nou, he is finding that positive energy again. If he can bring the “Barcelona voltage” into the national team and eliminate the noise on social media – where every move is scrutinized in detail – Rashford can re-establish the balance between instinct and efficiency.
Key numbers
- Barcelona 2024/25: 6 goals, 9 assists.
- Match against Serbia: left the field in the 66th minute, Eberechi Eze came on and scored a great goal; Bukayo Saka also scored.
- Manchester United: 138 goals in 428 games; had a 30-goal season.
Impact and the Way Forward
Barcelona’s Rashford and England’s Rashford are worlds apart. However, under Hansi Flick, the opportunity is there if he retains the positive energy he has developed in Spain and keeps the noise down. With the name “Rashford” less of a historical burden, and “Marcus” free enough to be decisive in the decisive part of the play, he can return to being the striker who makes a real difference – not just emotionally, but in terms of impact on results.