Marcus Rashford is on a par with Kylian Mbappe and unplayable at his best, according to former France striker Louis Saha.
England and Manchester United striker Rashford has three goals at the World Cup, two fewer than Mbappe, who leads the race for the Golden Boot after scoring two brilliant goals in France's 3-1 last-16 win over Poland. Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe, a World Cup winner with France at just 18 four years ago, is regarded as the best player on the planet.
But former United striker Saha, who will be hoping France overcome England on Saturday, reckons Rashford is as devastating as Mbappe when he is at the peak of his form. "I really like Marcus Rashford, you know he can be a starter, he’s such a talent and threat," said Saha.
"When Rashford has the eye of the tiger, he’s unplayable and at the same level as Mbappe. I love Harry Kane, but Rashford is just a humongous talent and I love to see him at this level.
"Kane is the best player, but Rashford is my favourite player in the England squad because of his style and I really enjoy watching him play. Rashford is more complete, but it does not mean he fits well in every game plan."
On the prospect of Gareth Southgate shuffling his personnel, Saha said: "There will be times where fresh legs are needed in the squad. Bukayo Saka is very good positionally, but Rashford has more ability and physicality, and he can score headers too.
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"You can see there's good balance and good spirit in the England team which has given the English fans and media a lot of hope. Everything is gelling well, there have been no controversies which is great to see. The nation is very together.
"They need the trophy they’ve been waiting for. Southgate is always taking strong decisions and I like that."
England face France at the Al Bayt Stadium at 7pm UK time on Saturday. Gareth Southgate's side have kept three successive clean sheets since beating Iran 6-2 in their opening match, but that proud defensive record will be tested by Mbappe.
And France's star player is feeling confident. “The only objective for me is to win the World Cup,” said Mbappe.
“I came here to win the world cup, not the Golden Boot. That’s not why I’m here. I’m here to win with the team. If I win the Golden Boot, then I’d obviously be happy, but the team is the most important thing.
“We’re delighted to reach the quarter-finals. We scored the goals at important moments and we ended up winning, so we’re delighted with that.”
