Marcus Rashford for England

Rashford: Charity work doesn't impact my football

Wednesday 14 October 2020 12:28

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has had a busy few months and, while away with England, he was questioned whether his work to prevent food poverty has impacted his performances on the pitch.

Last Friday, it was announced that Marcus Rashford is to be awarded an MBE in recognition of his services for vulnerable children in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a press conference ahead of England's UEFA Nations League tie with Denmark, the United star was asked whether all of his hard work off the pitch has any negative influence on his football performances.

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Marcus is proud of the latest recognition for his off-field work and pledges to continue fighting child poverty.

“For me, no,” Rashford said. “I have a team that works behind me and we make sure we’re all on the same page. A lot of the work is done months in advance and I think it’s important for me to keep doing that. It’s the only way for me to keep on top of it. Like you said, there’s a lot going on.”

“At the moment, I feel in a good head space and I’m comfortable doing the two things. I feel ready to train every day and play the games.

“If it was taking a toll, I’d have to look at a different way of doing things - find a way to support the kids and make sure my football career goes in the right direction.”

The Wythenshawe man is excited to be back in Gareth Southgate’s England squad after withdrawing last time out due to injury. He scored from the penalty spot in the weekend win over Belgium and is playing well.

“I missed the last camp and wasn’t happy about it,” Rashford said.

“I’m just excited to come back with the team, play games and win games together. We’ve managed two wins so far and it’s important to finish it off right.”

The striker, who scored his 11th international goal with a well-taken penalty in the Three Lions’ 2-1 win over Belgium, is enthusiastic about the competition for places in the England squad.

“For me, I think the atmosphere of the squad is terrific. To be honest, we all understand we’re all together as one – especially in tournament football which, in the World Cup, you realise it the most,” he said.

“You need a squad to do great things. It’s a big strength of ours to have so many players who can make differences on the pitch. We have to work together, whatever way we can, to beat teams – it’s what we’ve got to do to get wins. The more opportunities we have to do that, it shows the strength we have.”

His next opportunity to show his quality will be on Wednesday night, against the Danes, before he returns to Manchester to prepare for our Premier League encounter with Newcastle United at St. James' Park.

The new season is here. Our 2020/21 home, away and third kits are available now from United Direct.

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