Marcus Rashford: England coach Thomas Tuchel sends a warning to Barcelona’s loanees and urges him not to waste talent

Thomas Tuchel says Marcus Rashford has the potential to become one of the best strikers in world football, but is concerned the Barcelona loanee could waste his talent.

The England coach also revealed that he speaks to Rashford regularly, warning him that he needs to score more and create more, otherwise he may regret missed opportunities when he is in the latter stages of his career.

Rashford has registered three goals and four assists in his 10 appearances for the Spanish giants since leaving Manchester United on a temporary deal this summer.

Tuchel said: “He could be one of the best players in the world, because the finishing touch and the quality I see in training, with both his legs and his head, he is explosive, he is fast, he is strong in the air, so there are no limits for him.”

“But the numbers are not up to the potential. He needs to push himself by getting involved in the goals. He knows that from me.

“I think he still has to make those decisions. He’s still young enough to make these decisions, because otherwise he might be disappointed in 10 years with what he could have been and what he could have done.”

“This is the title for him, to keep pushing himself to the limit. The limit for him is very high, probably higher than it is for others.

“He has that potential. But potential is a dangerous word in high-level sports, because you have to reach your best on a regular basis – that’s required at this type of level and that’s the challenge for him. It’s not a question of talent.”

“It’s a question of whether he can prove that point at club level and at international level; that’s his job. If he starts quickly or if he comes on as a substitute, he has to constantly prove himself.”

Rashford has been named in all but one of Tuchel’s squads since his debut in March, with summer internationals against Senegal and Andorra being the only games he has missed after sustaining an injury at the end of the 2024/25 season while on loan at Aston Villa.

Tuchel added: “I can feel him, and I felt in my first camp, that I could help him if he felt my support for him because he was at Aston Villa at the time, which I thought was a very bold move at the time, to join a team that was well settled and played in a hard-working style.”

“That was a very good move for him, he adapted very quickly. I liked his work rate on the ball, yet he didn’t score as many goals and be involved in goals, given the quality we see in training.”

Rashford came off the bench in England’s 3-0 win over Wales last time out, replacing former Villa team-mate Ollie Watkins after injury, and could get his next chance to shine against Latvia on Tuesday.

Kane is set to return against Latvia

The Three Lions can secure World Cup qualification with a win and will be boosted by the return of captain Harry Kane, who was an unused substitute against Craig Bellamy’s side after missing training with an ankle injury in the lead-up to the friendly.

Tuchel said in his pre-match press conference: “It is very easy with Harry, he can play and he is fit. We did the right thing.”

“He’s in training and ready to go. I don’t see a reason why he can’t play 90 minutes. I don’t see any obstacles.”

Regarding Watkins, who was injured against Wales and withdrew from the England squad as a result of the setback, Tuchel added: “Ollie (Watkins) unfortunately left the camp.

“It was very painful and he was unable to train with us. He is receiving treatment at his club.”