Why is Marcus Rashford benched for England vs Norway FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal?

Marcus Rashford has started two games for England in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

England are set to face Norway in the quarterfinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Miami Stadium. The Three Lions started their World Cup campaign on a high note with a win over Croatia. However, later they played out a disappointing draw against Ghana, in which Harry Kane and Nico O’Reilly missed a few key chances.

In the last group stage game against Panama, the Three Lions secured their second win, courtesy of second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. Thomas Tuchel’s men faced the DR Congo in the round of 32, where they conceded a goal in the first half; however, they later drafted a comeback, thanks to Bayern Munich attacker Kane’s brace.

Nevertheless, the 1966 champions secured their biggest triumph of the campaign over co-hosts Mexico in the pre-quarterfinals, playing at high altitude. The Three Lions are ready to face Norway in the last eight, and the line-ups have been announced.

However, Marcus Rashford is not in the starting line-up, leaving a few fans wondering about the reason for the 24-year-old midfielder’s absence.

Also Read: Norway vs England pitch & weather report – Conditions revealed ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 clash

Why is Marcus Rashford not in the starting XI against Norway?

German tactician Thomas Tuchel has decided to start Anthony Gordon over Marcus Rashford against Norway.

Marcus Rashford had a brilliant start to his campaign in the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup. Against Vatreni in the Three Lions’ opening game, he came off the bench and scored the side’s fourth goal, securing their first victory on Matchday 1.

While the Manchester United attacker was expected to start in the second game against the Black Stars, he made a brief seven-minute cameo. The 27-year-old finally earned his first start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the side’s 2-0 triumph over Panama. He took five shots in the game, the most by any player, but four of them were off target.

Marcus Rashford also started ahead of Anthony Gordon in the round of 32 against the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the game, two out of his three shots were off target. He has also failed to score his second goal of the World Cup campaign.

However, he would still be available for the quarterfinal game, which could be his biggest opportunity.

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