Although Rashford did raise some health concerns earlier at the 2026 World Cup, his demotion to a substitute role has nothing to do with injury or any setback. Instead, it’s entirely tactical. Tuchel is opting to go with a different player in his place. In a bold strategic move, Tuchel has called Morgan Rogers’ number to start for England.

The decision completely shakes up England’s tactical setup and sends a message to Argentina as the Three Lions crowd the midfield, an area where Argentina have struggled despite having plenty of firepower. With Rogers, England make a chess-like move that underlines the high stakes of the 2026 World Cup showdown. At the end of the day, it’s England versus Argentina at the World Cup, for the first time since 2002, and with a spot in Sunday’s final up for grabs.

England and Argentina shock with lineup decisions

Argentina have also made last-minute tweaks to their lineup, as Rodrigo De Paul won’t be starting against England. Argentina’s starting XI will feature five of the Argentine players in the Premier League. The mind games between the two coaching staffs were already at an all-time high well before kickoff.

Tuchel knows that if Argentina get things clicking in the middle of the pitch, they could put England in trouble, and that’s why the head coach is taking no chances. As a result, Rashford will start on the bench, though that’s not too surprising based on England’s recent outings. In other notable absences, Bukayo Saka won’t start for England against Argentina, with Noni Madueke starting on the bench, too.

Rashford at 2026 World Cup

Rashford has been a substitute ever since the Round of 16 showdown against Mexico. His last start for the Three Lions came in the Round of 32, when England rallied to knock DR Congo out of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 victory. Since then, Rashford has not even been brought on.

He sat on the bench throughout the knockout-stage matches against Mexico and Norway. In the semifinal against Argentina, it remains to be seen whether Tuchel will continue the recent trend or give Rashford a chance under the bright lights in the City in a Forest.

As England and Norway’s lineups are set for a gigantic European clash in ever hot Miami, England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed Marcus Rashford won’t be starting in the quarterfinals. Rashford has been in and out of the lineup throughout the 2026 World Cup, and it seems Tuchel would rather ride the hot hand. The stakes are at an all-time high. England are well aware of what will happen with a win, tie, or loss against Norway, and they still rather sit Rashford on the bench.

Rashford’s demotion to a substitute role against Norway is entirely tactical. Although Rashford raised some injury concerns after the 4-2 opening win over Croatia, he has practiced without any restrictions and even started a couple of games for the Three Lions.

However, Rashford was a substitute in the Round of 16 against Mexico—he wasn’t brought on—and he will once again start on the bench against Erling Haaland (whose jersey reads Braut Haaland) and the Norwegian Vikings. Another notable absentee in today’s lineup is Bukayo Saka, who isn’t starting either.

Rashford’s appearances for England at 2026 World Cup

Rashford needed less than a quarter of an hour to make his presence felt at the 2026 World Cup. In the opening game against Croatia, Rashford jumped into the action at the 71st minute, and he scored the insurance goal for the Three Lions near the 85 minute mark.

Rashford was named a starter for the group-stage finale against Panama and Round of 32 matchup with DR Congo. However, he didn’t perform as expected, losing his starting job for the game against Mexico in Estadio Azteca, which sits over 2,000 meters above sea level.

As England played one of their best games of the tournament against Mexico, Tuchel is rolling with an almost identical lineup. Had the head coach been given the chance, he would’ve played the exact same starting XI, but Jarell Quansah’s multi-game suspension following his red card against Mexico and injury concerns didn’t give the manager that luxury.

Rashford’s stats at 2026 World Cup

So far at the 2026 World Cup, Rashford has scored one goal. He has no assists, although he has created some quality chances for his teammates. Known for his powerful shots and ability to score from almost anywhere on the pitch, Rashford hasn’t looked entirely comfortable at this World Cup, with his opportunities per game being quite limited.

Unlike Saka, who is dealing with an achilles issue, the decision to bench Rashford appears to be tactical. Despite making an impression at Barcelona last season, the Manchester United product isn’t a regular starter on the English national team. Follow England vs Croatia live with us for minute-by-minute coverage and updates!

Even though Saka’s absence could’ve opened the door for Rashford, Thomas Tuchel opted to start Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon as wingers to support star striker Harry Kane.

England’s depth for the 2026 World Cup

The English roster for th 2026 World Cup is stacked, and Tuchel even dared to leave some notable names off the list. For instance, Cole Palmer won’t be playing for England at the World Cup.

England have enough depth even with big names out, as Phil Foden isn’t on the World Cup squad either. The bench against Croatia includes Rashford, Saka, and Eberechi Eze, who is also a substitue due to a tactical decision.

England’s lineup to face Croatia: Jordan Pickford; Reece James, John Stones, Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.

Luka Modric starts for Croatia

Croatia, on the other hand, will be led by veteran midfielder Luka Modric while another seasoned player like Mateo Kovacic will be waiting for an opportunity on the bench.

Croatia’s lineup: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Sutalo, Luka Vuskovic, Josko Gvardiol; Josip Stanisic, Luka Modric, Mario Pasalic, Ivan Perisic; Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina; Petar Musa.

Placed into the top corner and out of Thibaut Courtois’ reach, that was the Barcelona player’s strike to make it 1–0 for his team in this crucial title clash.

The home side, with a packed Camp Nou filled with local fans, is chasing a victory that would bring it even closer to the title. Real Madrid, meanwhile, cannot afford to lose if they want to stay in the race.

Rashford was one of the options chosen by coach Hansi Flick, with Robert Lewandowski starting on the bench. There is no doubt that the coach’s decision proved to be spot on.

Rashford, Barcelona’s utility player

Marcus Rashford has emerged as a vital component of Hansi Flick’s tactical setup, carving out a significant role within Barcelona’s rotation through his versatility and directness. With an impressive tally of 7 goals and 7 assists, his ability to impact the game as both a clinical finisher and a creative playmaker has provided the squad with much-needed depth.

Under Flick’s high-intensity system, Rashford’s pace and work rate have allowed him to become a key protagonist, consistently delivering goal contributions that have kept the team’s offensive momentum alive throughout the season.

Barcelona closer to the title

A draw is enough for Barcelona, while a win would seal it outright. The title is getting closer for this team, which would only see the race extended if it loses to Real Madrid.

Both Lewandowski and Rashford were benched due to a tactical decision by Hansi Flick. This has raised eyebrows, considering Raphinha isn’t playing against Atletico today either.

With two key attackers starting on the bench, Barcelona enter this second leg with a noticeably altered frontline, adding an extra layer of uncertainty to their approach. The tactical choices made by Hansi Flick set the stage for a matchup where every adjustment could prove decisive in a high‑pressure Champions League night.

Barcelona confirmed lineup vs Atletico Madrid

Barcelona’s confirmed XI for the second leg is as follows: Joan Garcia; Joao Cancelo, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin; Pedri Gonzalez, Gavi, Fermin Lopez; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres.

Atletico Madrid confirmed lineup vs Barcelona

Atletico Madrid’s confirmed XI for the second leg is as follows:
Juan Musso; Nahuel Molina, Robin Le Normand, Bruno Amione Ruggeri, Clement Lenglet; Marcos Llorente, Jorge “Koke” Resurreccion, Giuliano Simeone; Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez, Ademola Lookman.

The reality is two of the players are unavailable due to injuries. For Pedri, he is still dealing with a muscle injury in his right hamstring. His return date is scheduled for February 22, for the match against Levante. Pedri suffered the injury after the match against Slavia Praha on January 21st.

As for Rashford, he is nursing a knee injury. Per manager Hansi Flick, “Marcus is feeling better.” However, the German coach won’t risk him until he is fully fit to come back to play. He is scheduled to come back on the same date as Pedri, according to Rotowire. Lewandowski is on the bench due to a tactical decision by Hansi Flick.

Both Rashford and Pedri’s absences by the numbers

Rashford has started 13 of 21 games where he’s played. He has 10 G+A this year in LaLiga. That translates to 0.72 goal involvements per 90 minutes played. Rashford is a very reliable option for Barcelona as well. He can play wide left, wide right, or as a classic number nine.

Pedri’s numbers are not as flashy, as he has just seven G+A in LaLiga this season, though he has played in 16 games. However, Pedri’s relevance goes way beyond just his output. He has made the LaLiga ‘Team of the Week‘ four times, and creates big chances, as he averages 2.4 key passes per game and completes 91% of his passes.

Are Girona a threat to Barcelona?

Girona shouldn’t be much of a dangerous opponent to Barça. As a matter of fact, Girona are 15th on the table and battling relegation. They haven’t won in three games, and have the third-worst home record in Spain this season. At home, they’ve conceded 18 goals and scored just 10 in 11 games.

Hence, Barcelona should be able to get three points, as they are the second-best away team in LaLiga. Barcelona have won eight and tied one game out of the 12 played away from their stadium. When being the visiting side, Barcelona have scored 29 goals, though they have received 18. Still, having Lewandowski as an option straight from the bench is a luxury many teams would love to have, just in case Barça need a clinical striker to solve any offensive issues.

Raphinha continues to recover from a right adductor strain that kept him sidelined during Barcelona’s recent victories over Albacete in the cup and Mallorca in LaLiga. The club expect his recovery to take approximately one week, meaning the Brazilian winger should be available for the upcoming league match against Girona.

“He is a player who always gives everything, always plays with such intensity. When he feels something, we have to take care of him and perhaps take a step back,” Flick said of Raphinha during his pre-match press conference. “That is the situation right now. Of course, I am not happy about it because we need him“.

As for the English forward, Barcelona confirmed that he sustained a knock and will not feature tonight. “First-team player Marcus Rashford has pain in his left knee after taking a blow in the game against Mallorca on Saturday at Spotify Camp Nou. The player will miss Thursday’s Copa del Rey game against Atletico Madrid,” the club stated in an official release.

Finally, midfielder Pedri remains in the rehabilitation phase after suffering a muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his right leg during a Champions League encounter against Slavia Praha. The club has indicated he will be out for roughly a month, with a target return date of February 22 against Levante.

Barcelona welcome back a vital cog

It isn’t all bad news for Flick, as the German manager will have Frenkie de Jong at his disposal for this high-pressure semifinal. The Dutch midfielder missed the previous match against Mallorca due to pubalgia discomfort but has since returned to full training. He is expected to start in the heart of the pitch tonight.

While Barcelona boast a deep squad, the absence of three starters forces Flick to shuffle his lineup. Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres are all projected to start as the Catalan giants look to overcome the hostile atmosphere in Madrid.

Rashford’s first goal came in the 58th minute when he connected with a perfectly placed cross from Jules Kounde, heading the ball into the back of the net. His second strike was a moment of brilliance, holding the ball outside the box before smashing it off the crossbar and in.

With this brace, Rashford joined the list of Barcelona players to score twice in England in a Champions League match — a group that includes Messi and other legends of the game. Here is the full list:

• Ronaldinho in 2005 (vs. Chelsea)
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2010 (vs. Arsenal)
• Luis Suarez in 2015 (vs. Manchester City)
• Lionel Messi in 2016 (vs. Arsenal)
• Lionel Messi in 2018 (vs. Tottenham)
• Marcus Rashford in 2025 (vs. Newcastle)

Which brace was the most important?

Evaluating the importance of a Barcelona player scoring a brace in England during the Champions League is fascinating, as the list features some of the greatest talents in club history. Each moment carries its own significance, but one performance stands out above the rest for its context and impact on Barcelona’s path to glory.

Luis Suarez’s brace against Manchester City in 2015 was arguably the most significant. The 2014-15 season was pivotal, with Barcelona still shaping the style that would take them to a historic second treble under Luis Enrique. The round of 16 matchup with Manchester City was seen as a massive test, with the Premier League powerhouse considered a major contender in Europe. A poor result in the first leg in England could have derailed Barcelona’s confidence at a crucial stage of the season.

The Uruguayan forward rose to the occasion. Suarez’s two goals not only secured a vital 2-1 win for Barcelona but also showcased his predatory instincts and relentless work rate, completely dismantling City’s defense. His performance was the catalyst that propelled Barcelona through the knockout rounds, giving them the belief and momentum they needed.

Suarez’s brace remains the most important because it marked the moment Barcelona hit peak form during a historic season. His display was more than just a personal milestone — it was a turning point that set the club on course to complete their second-ever treble.

On Wednesday, the Catalan side confirmed the signing via its official channels: “FC Barcelona and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the loan of the player Marcus Rashford until 30 June 2026. The agreement also establishes an option to buy the English forward.”

The announcement was also shared by Rashford on his personal Instagram account, where Garnacho replied. “Let’s gooooo,” wrote the Argentine winger, along with two saluting face emojis, expressing his excitement for his former teammate’s new destination.

Garnacho’s reaction drew attention not just because of his relationship with Rashford—whom he played alongside at Old Trafford from 2022 to 2024—but also because it fueled speculation about his own future. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano highlighted the comment and noted that this comes “while he’s also prepared to leave Man United this summer.”

Garnacho reportedly turned down chance to play with Ronaldo

Alejandro Garnacho has repeatedly spoken about his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, which is evident in his playing style and goal celebrations that often mimic the Portuguese star. The two shared a brief stint at Manchester United before Ronaldo’s departure to Saudi Arabia at the end of 2022.

This summer, rumors emerged suggesting that Garnacho could join Al Nassr for the upcoming season. But according to Mundo Deportivo, the young winger declined the opportunity, prioritizing staying in Europe to maintain top-level competition—especially with his place in the Argentina squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 still uncertain.

In this context, head coach Ruben Amorim excluded Garnacho from Manchester United’s squad for their U.S. tour, which kicks off Saturday with a friendly against West Ham United. With his exit from the club appearing imminent, clubs reportedly interested in signing him include Tottenham, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid.

Garnacho’s numbers

Since making his professional debut in April 2022 at just 17 years old, Garnacho has played 144 matches for Manchester United across the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Champions League, and Europa League, scoring 26 goals.

For much of his three-year spell with the Red Devils, Alejandro was seen as one of the club’s brightest young talents—performances that eventually earned him a call-up to the Argentina national team. He made his official debut in June 2023 and secured a spot in the 2024 Copa America, where Argentina were crowned champions. However, in subsequent call-ups, he has fallen out of favor with head coach Lionel Scaloni.

Marcus Rashford’s arrival at FC Barcelona marks one of the summer’s most intriguing moves. The English forward trades Old Trafford for Camp Nou, seeking to reignite his form in a club rebuilding its soccer identity.

For Barça, this move is about more than filling a position. It reflects a strategic bet on his potential while navigating La Liga’s financial constraints to strengthen their attacking options.

As he takes the field in Spain, he enters a crucial phase of his career. His performances could shape both his personal future and determine whether this short-term stay evolves into a lasting chapter.

What is Marcus Rashford’s salary with FC Barcelona?

Marcus Rashford has agreed to a significant salary reduction—accepting around €14 million gross annually (approximately 15% less per week) to make the loan move to Barcelona possible, as Sports Illustrated reported. That places him just behind the club’s top earners like Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.

Originally earning upwards of £16–17 million per season at Manchester United, he willingly gave up earnings so Barcelona could register him under La Liga’s strict financial limits. His last season at Villa saw clubs cover most of his original pay—but now Barça has agreed to shoulder his reduced full salary.

Despite the pay cut, his salary still ranks among the highest in the squad—just slightly lower than Raphinha’s €14.6 M—and reflects both his ambitious career move and Barcelona’s willingness to recalibrate its payroll for a player they value highly.

Marcus Rashford’s contract: How long will he stay in Barcelona?

Marcus Rashford has joined FC Barcelona on a season-long loan for 2025–26, with an option to buy reportedly priced around €30–35 million. The deal paves the way for a further chapter in Spain if Barça chooses to make it permanent.

The agreement includes they paying his reduced salary entirely, while freeing Manchester United of the financial burden. The commitment is loan-based, with no guaranteed permanent move unless activated.

While Manchester United still holds the contract until 2028, his short-term arrival at Camp Nou is aimed at revitalizing his career under Hansi Flick’s system and potentially unlocking full compliance with La Liga’s financial fair play regulations.

According to Toni Juanmarti of Diario Sport, FC Barcelona is exploring a loan deal for Marcus Rashford in the upcoming winter transfer window, with the agreement running until June 30, 2025. This opportunity arises as Manchester United‘s coach, Rubem Amorim, reportedly sees limited use for Rashford, making a loan move plausible. Barcelona has returned to the 1:1 financial rule, allowing the club to spend as much as it earns in transfers, a scenario not seen in years. However, to accommodate Rashford, Barcelona must create salary margin. Some players such as Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, and Ansu Fati are potential departures in this window.

Juventus has shown interest in central defender Ronald Araujo, with Italian outlet La Repubblica reporting ongoing negotiations. Meanwhile, Ansu Fati’s exclusion from the squad against Athletic Bilbao signals that Hansi Flick does not consider him a core part of his plans, opening the door for a possible loan move.

Marcus Rashford joining FC Barcelona would be a smart move for the club, both financially and tactically. Arriving on loan minimizes risk, as he could depart like Joao Felix if he does not adapt. His presence would offer valuable competition and an alternative to Raphinha and Lamine Yamal throughout the demanding season. With Pau Victor, Ferran Torres, and Ansu Fati not fully trusted by Hansi Flick, Rashford could provide a reliable option off the bench while working to regain his best form. His versatility and experience make him an ideal addition to strengthen the squad’s depth.

Marcus Rashford has shined at Manchester United despite facing criticism

Marcus Rashford made his first-team debut for Manchester United in the 2015/16 season and has since amassed 138 goals and 63 assists, a remarkable tally. To put this into perspective, Cristiano Ronaldo, a club legend, recorded 145 goals and 64 assists during his time at United, figures strikingly similar to Rashford’s. Notably, Rashford achieved this despite the club’s years of instability, which hindered his development.

Rashford’s peak performance came in the 2022/23 season, when he delivered 30 goals and 9 assists. His versatility shone as he excelled in both the left-wing position, contributing 17 goals, and as a center forward, adding another 11 goals. These impressive numbers underline his ability to perform effectively in multiple roles.

If FC Barcelona secures Rashford and helps him rediscover his 2022/23 form, they could gain an outstanding striker capable of revitalizing their attack in two key positions. His arrival could also push Ferran Torres to elevate his game, creating healthy competition that benefits the entire team. Rashford’s signing could be a strategic move to bolster the squad’s depth and quality.