The Manchester United forward produced a lively cameo in the Euro 2024 qualifying win against Malta on Friday night, operating on the left and linking well with fellow substitute Eberechi Eze, who was making his senior international debut.

Rashy's performance will have given a nudge to Southgate about starting in the game tonight (Monday) against North Macedonia, particularly with it taking place at Old Trafford, as the Three Lions look to maintain a 100 per cent record in Group C.

Ahead of the Group C encounter, which is live on Channel 4 in the UK, Southgate was asked at his press conference about the man who scored 30 goals for United last term and was voted the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year.

"At the moment, I still think he's better from the left than as a no.9 but he's definitely made progress as a nine this year and had a bigger impact," said Southgate.

"I always think he's a good player as a sub, his mentality is always good when he comes on as a sub, but nobody wants to be seen as a good sub. 

"You want to start games."

Southgate knows how special it will be for the lifelong Red to run out at the Theatre of Dreams in England colours, and feels he understands our no.10's character, having worked with him since the Under-21s.

"He had the World Cup with us," added Southgate. "And we were constantly talking through that period.

"I've had him since he was in the Under-21s really. He had been up with Roy [Hodgson] and then had one game back with us. We've always had good communication.

"I know him as well as anybody is going to know him. He's not always easy to read."

❤️‍🔥 @MarcusRashford pic.twitter.com/dG4LMlGrIh

— England (@England) June 17, 2023

Rashford, who performed one brilliant flip-flap dribble on Friday, comes into this spell on the back of a wonderful campaign for the Reds, with Erik ten Hag getting the best out of the forward. When asked about Marcus's performances, Southgate acknowledged the impact the United manager has had in his first season at the club.

"The obvious thing is the goals," said the England boss. "I think, when he has had chances this season, you expect him to score, as the season has gone on.

"Maybe, in previous seasons, that was a little bit less of a certainty. 

"I think, in working with Erik, he has had to work a bit differently without the ball."

The stage is set for a big night for Rashford and England, and it could provide a fitting end to a long, arduous 2022/23 for the 25-year-old.

"He does love playing for England," stated Southgate. "He's very proud to play for England and I'm sure an England game at Old Trafford will be a special moment for him.

"It's for us always to bring the crowd with us," he stressed. "The onus is on us to make the crowd excited and play well. It's a great crowd up here anyway.

"We went to Leeds last year and that was an exceptional atmosphere and I'm sure Manchester will be the same. It's exciting for us, it's a sell-out crowd, it adds an edge to the game. But, of course, our opponent will be lifted by that and want to put on a good display so we've got to be ready for them. But, as I said, we want to play well. We want to entertain our supporters and we want to win the game.

"We are pleased to be bringing the team to Manchester, to the north. I think it is important that we do that. The team are for all of the country to follow, not just the south. I hope we can put on a display that brings pride and brings excitement."