Rashford reveals significance behind Wales goal celebration

Marcus Rashford has revealed the meaning behind his first goal celebration against Wales.

The forward dropped to his knees and pointed up to the sky after scoring the first of his two goals in England’s 3-0 victory on Tuesday night.

He said the celebration was in tribute to his friend Garfield Hayward who recently passed away after a long battle with cancer.

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“Unfortunately I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago,” he said in a post-match interview.

“He’s had quite a long battle with cancer, so I’m pleased I managed to score for him. He’s always been a big supporter of mine. He was just a great person and I’m pleased he came into my life, really.”

He added: “Moments like this, this is what I play football for. The biggest moments, the best moments.

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“I’m happy we are going through to the next round of the tournament because I have massive ambitions for this team and I think we can play even better than we did today.”

The 25-year-old made his first start of the World Cup at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Tuesday.

His brace put him joint top of the race for the golden boot with three goals, alongside France’s Kylian Mbappe, Dutchman Cody Gakpo and Enner Valencia of Ecuador.

Phil Foden, who also made his first World Cup start on Tuesday, got England’s other goal.

Rashford played at the last World Cup in 2018 and at the 2020 European Championships, but the Manchester United forward was considered fortunate to make the squad for this year’s tournament.

Ever since his miss in the penalty shoot-out loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, Rashford has been going through a turbulent period in his career, compounded by injuries.

“It has been a challenge for him,” said England manager Gareth Southgate.

“I went and saw him in the summer, had a big chat with him and he had some clear ideas on things he felt he needed to think about.

“You can see with his club there has been happiness in his performances and that has shown itself on the training ground. We have a different version (of him) completely to the Euros. That’s great for him and for us.”

Rashford put England in the lead with a free-kick in the 50th minute, with Foden scoring just a minute later.

Rashford made it 3-0 in the 68th minute after leading a breakaway England attack.

The win guaranteed England first place in the group. The team will next face Senegal in the round of 16 on Sunday.

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