Rashford: We're a hungry team

Marcus Rashford insists “hungry” England want to grab their opportunity at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after finishing top of Group L.

The Three Lions defeated Panama 2-0 on Saturday night in New Jersey courtesy of second half goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.

After beating Croatia and drawing with Ghana, the victory set up a round of 32 meeting with DR Congo on 1 July as Thomas Tuchel and his squad continue their bid to add a second star to the shirt.

And Rashford, who made his first start at the tournament against Panama, believes England have the right mentality to attack the knockout stage next week.

“I have complete confidence,” Rashford told ITV after the game.

“I feel like the team’s a hungry team, we’re determined. We’ve got a coach that doesn’t rest on anything.

“It’s a great opportunity and we have to try to grab it whilst we’re here because we don’t know when we’re going to come into a tournament in such shape again.

“We’re just concentrating on the next game, that’s our sole focus. We don’t look too far ahead, we concentrate on what we can influence now, but I’m looking forward to the next game.”

Reflecting on his place in the starting XI, Rashford added: “It’s always an honour to play.

“I know my quality, I know what I can try and bring to a game so of course I want to start as many games as possible.

“But if I’m not then I have to try to come on and affect the game in a positive way, ultimately either score or help team-mates score goals, so that’s what my focus is.

“Today it was from the start but whatever’s required, I’m willing to do.”

Bellingham, meanwhile, was named FIFA’s Superior Player of the Match for the second straight game after opening the scoring and assisting Kane for a record-breaking World Cup goal.

Asked about the midfielder’s performance, Rashford said: “It’s not surprising. That’s the type of performance he’s capable of.

“We’re for sure going to need similar performances from him, definitely the goals from H [Harry Kane] if we want to do what we set out to do in this tournament.”