Manchester United's Marcus Rashford Set To Replace Harry Kane For England's World Cup Qualifiers In October

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Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford looks set to replace Harry Kane as England’s No.9 for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia in October, 90min reports.

Kane, 23, sustained an ankle ligament injury in Tottenham’s win over Sunderland at the weekend, and while Spurs are refusing to put a timeframe on the injury, Kane is expected to miss at least eight weeks of action.

His absence will come as a blessing in disguise to Marcus Rashford, who has broken into Jose Mourinho’sfirst-team at United after a succession of quality performances.

The 18-year-old has scored three goals in his last five games for United, as well as a hattrick for England U21s, and he is likely to be rewarded for his form with a starting role in Sam Allardyce’s England side next month.

Rashford was previously left out of Big Sam’s England squad for the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia, with the Dudley-born boss claiming the youngster’s lack of playing time at United caused him to be dropped to the U21s.

Speaking at the time, he said:

“I think if he plays for Manchester United on a regular basis and was breaking into the United team then he would certainly be in my squad…”

“But because of his inclusion only as a substitute, as good as it was against Hull City, I think the value of having a full game with Gareth [Southgate, England U21 manager] will be invaluable to him and then later on to us.”

But now, with Rashford in line with yet another start for Jose Mourinho’s side this weekend as they face title-holders Leicester, the England boss will more than likely not only call-up the youngster, but start him in place of the injured Harry Kane.