Theo Walcott and Wayne Rooney have praised Marcus Rashford’s resurgence at Barcelona, calling him a 'dead cert' to start for England at the 2026 World Cup.

The narrative surrounding Marcus Rashford has shifted from one of decline to a story of redemption. After a year in the international wilderness, the 28-year-old Manchester United forward has used a loan spell at Barcelona to rediscover the spark that once made him Europe's most feared young attacker. His statistics in La Liga—14 goals and 14 assists in 47 appearances—have forced him back into the England conversation, and with the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada looming, former Three Lions winger Theo Walcott is convinced that Rashford is no longer just a squad player, but a mandatory starter.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Walcott expressed a level of excitement for Rashford that he admits he hasn't felt for an England player in years. The former Arsenal man cited Rashford’s newfound freedom and joy on the pitch in Spain as the primary reason for his return to form. Rashford’s inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s recent squads, coupled with a standout performance in a 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand, suggests the German manager sees him as a focal point. For Walcott, the decision is simple: Rashford's bravery in moving abroad has developed a character that England desperately needs for the big stage.

The Barcelona Transformation

Rashford’s move to the Nou Camp was seen as a gamble, a necessary escape from a stagnating environment at Old Trafford. It has paid dividends. Playing under the bright lights of La Liga, he has embraced a more expressive style of play, often operating with a license to roam that he was rarely afforded in his final months at United. Walcott noted that watching Barcelona has become a joy again specifically because of Rashford’s contributions. The winger’s ability to create five chances in just 45 minutes against New Zealand on Saturday served as a timely reminder of his elite vision and technical execution.

However, a cloud of uncertainty still hangs over his club future. Barcelona have until June 15 to trigger a £26m permanent deal—just 48 hours before England's World Cup opener against Croatia. This looming deadline adds an extra layer of pressure to a player who is already carrying the weight of a nation's expectations. If the Catalan giants hesitate, Rashford could find himself entering the biggest tournament of his life with his professional future in limbo. Yet, if his recent performances are anything to go by, he possesses the mental fortitude to push that distraction aside when the whistle blows.

Rooney’s Regret Over United Exit

Wayne Rooney, Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer, shared a more bittersweet perspective on Rashford’s journey. While he celebrated the forward’s revival, Rooney admitted it was "a shame" to see a local Manchester lad forced to leave his boyhood club to find his feet. Rooney had previously tipped Rashford to be the one to break his scoring record at Old Trafford, a dream that now looks increasingly unlikely. The United legend acknowledged that Rashford "wasn't present" at the club in recent years and perhaps needed the change of scenery, but the romantic in him still wishes he were wearing the red of United.

Rooney and Walcott were joined by Jermain Defoe, creating a trio of former England greats who understand the unique pressure of a major tournament. They agreed that Rashford's bravery in going abroad—something Walcott admitted he wasn't "brave enough" to do during his own career—has added a layer of maturity to his game. This shift in perspective is often what separates good players from tournament-winning ones. By stepping out of his comfort zone, Rashford has not only improved his technical game but has also shown the kind of leadership and resilience that Tuchel will value in the pressure-cooker environment of a World Cup.

The Tuchel Factor and Squad Depth

Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection has already caused a stir, notably for the omission of big names like Harry Maguire, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer. Rooney expressed his "shock" at some of these decisions but ultimately urged fans to trust the manager’s vision. Tuchel’s preference for players who are in form and winning trophies at club level was highlighted by Defoe, who pointed to the success of Arsenal’s Premier League winners and Aston Villa’s European conquerors within the squad. This culture of winning, Defoe argues, will be England’s greatest asset in North America.

Tuchel’s decision to replace Rashford at half-time against New Zealand with Anthony Gordon was described by the manager as having "no hidden messages," but it serves as a warning that competition for places is fierce. The fact that England could afford to rest Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka while still looking dominant shows the depth at Tuchel’s disposal. Rashford knows he cannot afford a single off-day if he wants to stay at the front of the queue. The manager is chasing history—looking to become the first man since 1966 to bring the trophy home—and he will be ruthless in his selections.

Tournament Belief and the 60-Year Wait

The overarching sentiment from Walcott, Rooney, and Defoe is one of genuine belief. The 60-year wait for a World Cup title hangs heavy over the English game, but this squad feels different. They possess a blend of youth, experience, and, crucially, tournament savvy. Walcott’s assertion that Rashford is a "dead cert" to start is a reflection of a wider confidence in the team's attacking potential. If Rashford can carry his Barcelona form into the group stages, he could well be the catalyst that finally breaks the hoodoo.

As the team prepares to face Haiti and then kick off their campaign against Croatia, the focus will remain on Rashford’s fitness and his contract situation. But for ninety minutes on a pitch, those details fade into the background. England fans want to see the smile that Walcott spoke about—the look of a player who is truly enjoying his football again. If Marcus Rashford is happy, England is dangerous. And in a World Cup where the margins are razor-thin, a dangerous Rashford might just be the difference between another "what if" and legendary status. more football news on MATCHLINE