Marcus Rashford can be England’s secret weapon at Euro 2016, says former Manchester United striker Dion Dublin

Sam Long1 June 2016

EXCLUSIVE

Marcus Rashford has been backed to "make a difference" for England at Euro 2016 this summer by former Manchester United striker Dion Dublin.

The 18-year-old made his first-team debut at Old Trafford as recently as February and has forced his way into the international fold despite his relative inexperience at elite level.

Rashford was deemed unlikely to make the final cut when he was selected in Roy Hodgson's provisional squad earlier this month but a strike against Australia, which saw him become the Three Lions' youngest debut goalscorer, proved to be enough to secure a place on the plane.

The striker's rise has been a remarkable one and Dublin is adamant the fact Rashford does not yet boast a profile as high as some of his countryman will work in England's favour during the tournament.

The rise of Marcus Rashford

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"I think it's surprised a few people [Rashford's inclusion] but I think it's actually put smiles on a lot of people's faces," Dublin told Standard Sport.

"Hodgson has been very brave to do that.

"He's an effective player. If you're taking players on form, you have to take him. On excitement, you have to take him

"He's still the unknown. Rashford is still the unknown. Not a lot of people know a lot about him.

"Is he quick? Is he slow? Is he right footed? Is he left footed? Does he like heading the ball?

"Little things like that people don't know about him which I think is good to have up your sleeve," insisted Dublin.

Hodgson is yet to settle on a preferred attacking line-up ahead of the tournament but has a wealth of options to choose from given that the Croydon-born manager has included five forwards in his squad.

The entire quintet will be hoping they have done enough to secure a starting berth and Dublin believes the Red Devils teenager is good enough to make an impact if he is called upon.

"Rashford is in the squad on merit and he will make a difference if given game time. He's different to everything else we've got.

"The four out-and-out strikers we have - [Harry] Kane, [Jamie] Vardy, Rashford and [Daniel] Sturridge - are all standalone, individual centre forwards that are very different from each other which is great to have," he added.

Rashford's tender years have not counted against him in regards to selection but former England winger John Barnes believes an early call-up could potentially harm the striker's development.

However, Dublin has dismissed any concerns that Rashford's inclusion could be detrimental in the long-term, especially as he is at an ideal club like United.

"I don't think it can harm anybody getting into an England squad for a big tournament.

"I do believe that Rashford is at possibly the best football club to look after him as a young player and not let him getting carried away with himself.

"I'm hoping Ryan Giggs stays because he'll definitely keep his feet on the ground," Dublin insisted.

Dion Dublin was speaking at online bookmaker Betway's Euro 2016 Kick-Off Show. Watch the video at blog.betway.com on Friday

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