Declan Rice hails ‘standout’ Marcus Rashford and backs him to propel Kylian Mbappe to Golden Boot after blistering World Cup start

Declan Rice sees no reason why England team-mate Marcus Rashford can’t win the World Cup Golden Boot.

Rashford made a blistering start to the World Cup, scoring three times in the group stage and he now aims to continue his excellent goalscoring form in the knockout stages.

The Manchester United striker has achieved an incredible turnaround over the past year.

He had previously struggled with form and fitness which saw him lose his place in the England squad.

Fresh off their double against Wales on Tuesday night, Rashford is set to retain his place for Sunday’s knockout round clash against Senegal – live on talkSPORT – and Rice has paid tribute to the in-form striker.

“From the moment I arrived in the England team I said Marcus was one of the most outstanding people that I was so surprised by,” said the West Ham midfielder.

“He’s lightning fast, his speed, his eye for goal, the way he kicks the ball – it’s really special, the technique he has on him.

“I know he had a tough year last year, but nobody ever doubted his quality and to see him now on the biggest stage doing it, it makes me really happy and it also makes the happy team.”

The arrival of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United seems to have breathed new life into Rashford.

The Dutchman immediately went for the 25-year-old and made clear his intention to keep Rashford amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain over the summer.

Rashford’s vastly improved performance for United is testament to the faith Ten Hag has shown in him and the striker is now replicating his club form for the Three Lions.

His three goals in Qatar propelled him to the top of the scoring charts alongside Kylian Mbappe and Cody Gakpo and Rice believes Rashford can prevail like Harry Kane did in 2018.

He added: “There’s no reason he can’t. You see he had a big chance in the first half and if he continues to make attacking runs behind the back line like he does for United he is going to continue to have chances so it would be amazing for him to win the golden shoe – I would be delighted for him if he succeeds.