Gareth Southgate reveals why he's been impressed by Marcus Rashford

Gareth Southgate has revealed he has been pleased by the progression Marcus Rashford has shown after returning to the England fold.

After missing a penalty in their Euro 2020 final shootout loss to Italy, Rashford endured a tough 2021/22 campaign at club level with Manchester United, registering his lowest goal tally since turning professional.

He lost his place in the Three Lions squad, but after a bright start to the 2022/23 season, he's wrestled back a spot in Southgate's side and has already scored three times at the World Cup.

Ahead of England's quarter-final with France, Southgate took time to discuss what's impressed him most about Rashford's return.

"Marcus is in really good form. He hadn't been with us for 18 months. It has been a difficult period for him in terms of his form," Southgate said.

"I really like how he has been in this camp, very happy within himself, smiling a lot, enjoying his football and training well every day and [looking] dangerous in every game he has started or come on the pitch. So football wise he's in a really good place for us."

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Rashford, who turned 25 back in October, is competing at his fourth major tournament with England.

He has scored 15 goals in 50 appearances for the Three Lions - only Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane can boast more among the current 25-player squad.