Rashford: England focused on standards

Marcus Rashford believes England's focus on standards and togetherness can help drive the team forward as they continue their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.

Having experienced six major tournaments during his England career to date, the forward knows the expectation that comes with representing the Three Lions on football's biggest stage.

But rather than focusing on outside noise, Rashford says the squad's attention remains fixed on what they can control.

"It's another pinnacle, the highest level that you can play at," said Rashford.

"We're all looking forward to starting and doing our job in the best way we can."

For Rashford, England's preparation has been building long before the tournament itself, and he believes the foundations have been laid over an extended period with the squad continuing to develop its identity and understanding.

"I think people believe that the preparation starts now, but the preparation started way back when the manager first came in," he explained.

"It's all built into this moment."

A key part of that development has been the culture created within the group. Togetherness has become a hallmark of recent England squads and Rashford feels that collective mentality is now firmly established.

"We're one team and we have to fight for each other in the exact same way that you fight for your club teams," he said.

"That's the norm now. We understand it's difficult because everybody wants to play and a lot of players deserve to play.

"At some point, players are going to be disappointed, but it's about how you handle it." 

While discussions around England's prospects are inevitable, Rashford insists the players remain focused on maintaining the standards that have brought them to this stage.

"I think we have to bring an intensity that they [opponents] can't live with and we try and stick to that," he added.

"If we can play at that level, it can win you games.

"The one thing we can predict is how we conduct ourselves over 90 minutes or 120 minutes.

"So I think we just have to focus on that as players. We just have to keep pushing ourselves. We're definitely capable."

England's attention now turns to Ghana, with a place in the World Cup round of 32 on the line.

A victory on Tuesday evening (9pm BST) would continue the Three Lions' perfect start in Group L and give them a chance to finish top of the group.