Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford dedicated his brace in England's emphatic World Cup victory over Wales to a friend who recently died from cancer, it's been revealed.
Rashford hit a superb free-kick and ended a mazy run by finishing through goalkeeper Danny Ward's legs after Manchester City's Phil Foden had doubled England's lead in what proved to be a 3-0 stroll against their British rivals in Qatar.
The 25-year-old pointed to the sky after finding the net and revealed afterwards that he was paying tribute to a late friend, now named as Garfield Hayward, who it's understood passed away just two days before the game.
Rashford said: "Unfortunately I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago. 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."
Pals said Garfield, known as 'Garf', was 'loved by the whole of Manchester' as they paid tribute to him online, reports The Mirror. Some also shared images of floral tributes and of Rashford on TV following his dedication. One wrote: "Big Garf was loved by the whole of Manchester and everyone who had the privilege of meeting him. Sending prayers and strength to all of his close friends family and loved ones."
A family member added: "My heart is hurting so much knowing I won't see you again in this life. Uncle Garf one of the realist people I've ever know. You was a big part of my life growing up. Just wish we could of made alot more memories together, it won't be the same without you being here. You was the man with the most beautiful soul.
"You didn't have a bad bone in your body you would give anything and everything you could with even a single bit of hesitation. I love you man and I'm so glad I got to tell you that. You will forever be in my thoughts and my heart till the day I die."
Another pal wrote: "RIP Garf can’t believe this is even one of my statuses one of Timmy’s oldest friends from the days you used to come up to the loft to just eat a scran and get off to coming to our wedding 18 years later.
"Timmy, me and the kids are all going to miss you so much make sure you look after Jan and Martin for us my heart breaks for all Garf’s family and friends." A fourth wrote: "Rest In Peace Garf Thankyou so much for being in our lives & being such a good friend. Words cannot explain how heartbroken so many people are. We will always be there to look after & support your family."
England are through to the last 16 where they will face Senegal, and Rashford believes Gareth Southgate’s squad is strong enough to mount a serious challenge in the knockout stages. He added: “I feel like the ambition in the squad is really good.
"We have a good mix of qualities. We have a really good squad and a squad that is definitely capable of challenging to win the tournament.
"I'm hoping that we can build on this type of performance, keep improving and keep scoring goals and showing our qualities."
Rashford was happy with the way England bounced back from their goalless draw with the United States. He told BBC One: “We were a little bit disappointed as a team after the last game against the USA. I thought we could have played a lot better and the only way to bounce back from that is to have a good performance in your next game and I think we did that.
“First half, we defended brilliantly, we didn’t really give them any opportunities. And it was just about us killing the game off and taking the chances when they came."
England will now play African champions Senegal – who finished as runners-up in Group A after beating Ecuador earlier on Tuesday – in the Round of 16 clash on Sunday evening. Group B runners-up USA will take on the Netherlands, after the North American side saw off Iran 1-0 on Tuesday.
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