Why Rice thinks Rashford can win the Golden Boot

One of the most coveted individual prizes in the game is up for grabs in Qatar and Marcus has made a great start in the group stages, despite only appearing from the off in one game.

The Manchester United forward followed up his goal against Iran with two in the 3-0 victory over Wales, and he was unlucky not to find the net on more occasions during Tuesday night's triumph.

West Ham United midfielder Rice is a big fan of his Three Lions colleague and sees no reason why the Reds star cannot forever etch his name into the competition's illustrious history.

When asked at a press conference if Rashford can win the Golden Boot, Rice replied: "Without a doubt. I think, from the first moment I came into the England set-up, I said Marcus was one of the stand-out people. I was so surprised by his just lightning-quick speed, eye for goal and the way he hits the ball.

"It's a really special technique he has got on him.

"I know he had a tough year, last year," added the West Ham man. "But nobody ever doubted his quality and now, to see him back on the biggest stage, doing it, makes me really happy and I know it's making the team happy as well.

"Going to the Golden Boot, there is no reason why he can't. You see he had a big chance in the first half [against Wales as well], and if he keeps making those attacking runs behind the backline, like he does for United, he's going to keep getting the chances.

"Look, it'd be amazing for him to win the Golden Boot. I would be delighted for him if he could achieve that."

Meanwhile, United skipper Harry Maguire has been talking about his chats with his Reds colleague, and reiterated Rice's stance that there was never any doubt the 25-year-old would return to his best form.

"I speak to him a lot and I try to give him as much belief as I can," Maguire told the Daily Star. "But, listen, Marcus is a fantastic player who has had a great career up until now. I think this last year has been difficult for him but all good players rise to the top again. 

"I am close to Marcus, a good mate of his, on and off the field, the main thing was trying to get the belief back in his game. Marcus is a fantastic talent and you see it, day in and day out, when you train with him.

"It was only a matter of time until he got his confidence and form back. A career is a long time, over 15 years, so there will be a lot of ups and downs. You've got to bounce back if you want to be successful and he's done that."

Rashford and the other 24 remaining England players trained at the Al Wakhrah Sports Complex on Thursday, in preparation for Sunday night's big round-of-16 encounter with Senegal.

Arsenal defender Ben White has returned home for personal reasons.

Three Lions centre-forward Harry Kane won the Golden Boot last time around, in Russia four years ago, with six goals in total.

The prestigious trophy is handed to the player with the most goals at the tournament and, if there is a tie, it will be judged on the most assists and then the least amount of playing time. 

TOP WORLD CUP SCORERS (as of midday, 1 Dec)

1. Kylian Mbappe (France) - 3 goals (1 assist)
2. Cody Gakpo (Netherlands) - 3 goals
2. Marcus Rashford (England) - 3 goals
2. Enner Valencia (Ecuador) - 3 goals