Trent Alexander-Arnold heaps praise on ‘underrated’ Marcus Rashford after World Cup heroics

Trent Alexander-Arnold has set club rivalries aside to praise England teammate Marcus Rashford following his scintillating performance against Wales.

The Manchester United forward scored a brace during England’s 3-0 victory, with his first a devastating free-kick from range that flew past Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward.

As a result, Rashford is the current joint top-scorer at the tournament with three goals and has fought his way into contention for a starting berth when England take on Senegal in the last 16 on Sunday.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Alexander-Arnold had nothing but praise for his teammate.

“When he steps onto the pitch, you’re thinking he’s going to use his pace, he’s going to use his speed to get in behind, to get at people. He’s skilful, he can score goals, he can create goals,” Alexander-Arnold explained.

The Liverpool right-back, who made his first appearance of the World Cup as a second-half substitute against Wales, also admitted that Rashford is a player he hates to face as a defender.

“He’s someone, as defenders, you don’t want to play against players like that because all game you’re worried about what they’re going to do, if they’re going to score, if they’re going to create,” he said.

Beyond that, Alexander-Arnold also singled out Rashford as a potential match-winner as the knockout stages get underway.

“To have him on your team, you know what defenders are thinking. He’s an outstanding player,” he added. “I think he’s underrated, I think he’s someone that can win games for club and country.

“He has shown that before and I’m sure he’ll carry on and do that. I think he’s someone that can help us win this tournament.”

England face Senegal at 7pm UK time on Sunday with a potential quarter-final tie against France awaiting the winner.