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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Tuchel hands Rashford start against Albania</li><li>Winger's first Three Lions game in a year</li><li>Decision prompted mixed reaction from fans</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'Star man is back!' - England fans react to team selection as Marcus Rashford STARTS on opening night at Wembley for Thomas Tuchel

<p>Rashford has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/marcus-rashford-leads-premier-league-key-stats-since-leaving-man-utd-aston-villa-january-transfer-window/blt36db19c55d98d731" target="_blank">enjoyed a bright run since joining Aston Villa on loan</a> form Manchester United in January, resulting in <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/thomas-tuchel-first-england-squad-dan-burn-marcus-rashford-jordan-henderson-2026-world-cup-qualifying-harry-maguire-jack-grealish/blt31914e6f8c0af6f0" target="_blank">Tuchel calling him up for his first matches</a> as Three Lions boss. The 27-year-old was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/england-line-up-thomas-tuchel-first-match-albania-dan-burn-marcus-rashford-world-cup-qualifying/bltf104e8f6260b107f" target="_blank">picked to start in the opening game of the World Cup qualifiers</a> at Wembley on Friday, and Tuchel's decision received mixed reviews on social media.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>"Star man is back," wrote <a href="https://x.com/Utddoja/status/1903153028972064814" target="_blank">@Utddoja</a>, later <a href="https://x.com/Utddoja/status/1903153586852298870" target="_blank">saying</a>: "Rashford is the face of Tuchel’s first England game but people will try convince you he’s a finished player."</p><p>Journalist Simon Stone said on <a href="https://x.com/sistoney67/status/1903152726315286529" target="_blank">X</a>: "Move to Aston Villa has reignited Marcus Rashford’s career. Glad he is enjoying his football again."</p><p>"That's a big vote of confidence for Marcus Rashford to start for England against Albania in Thomas Tuchel's first match," said <a href="https://x.com/jonathandveal83/status/1903151023633379637" target="_blank">@jonathandveal83</a>. "He's looked very bright in parts for Aston Villa, but others have played more consistently over the past few months."</p><p><a href="https://x.com/RyanDry93/status/1903153446230086049" target="_blank">@RyanDry93</a> wrote: "Kyle Walker and Marcus Rashford starting for England in 2025 🥴🥴🥴🥴".</p><p>"Rashford and Foden in the starting XI. Pathetic, picked on reputation rather than form," said <a href="https://x.com/1wozza/status/1903152343648178552" target="_blank">@1wozza.</a></p>

WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

<p>Rashford last featured for England as a late substitute against Brazil in March 2024, having been left out of Gareth Southgate's squad for the European Championship that summer. The winger endured a miserable spell at United but has been revitalised by the move to Villa Park, registering four assists in nine games.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Rashford will be aiming to impress Tuchel in his first England appearance in a year as the Three Lions look to get their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a good start.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD?

'Star man is back!' - England fans react to team selection as Marcus Rashford STARTS on opening night at Wembley for Thomas Tuchel | Goal.com

Marcus Rashford is back in the England starting XI as new coach Thomas Tuchel gave the attacker the nod for Friday&apos;s match against Albania.