Marcus Rashford will return to England senior squad, says Gareth Southgate after his hat-trick for Under 21s
Manchester United striker scored a scintillating hat-trick for Southgate's side with Sam Allardyce in attendance
GARETH SOUTHGATE predicted Marcus Rashford is set for a return to England’s senior squad after seeing him score a hat-trick for the Under-21s.
The Manchester United striker was subbed to a standing ovation five minutes from time.
Young Lions boss Southgate revealed: “I said to him when he came off: ‘You’ve enjoyed your week, haven’t you?’.
“But I was tempted to say, ‘It’s been nice working with you!’.”
The forward’s treble — plus strikes from Chelsea trio Nathaniel Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Lewis Baker — sent Southgate’s kids two points clear at the top of their Euro 2017 qualifying group.
They have two matches left and a win in Kazakhstan next month will seal their place at next summer’s finals in Poland.
England boss Sam Allardyce was watching from the director’s box at Colchester United after axing Rashford from his senior squad that beat Slovakia 1-0 on Sunday.
The United boy’s hat-trick boosted his chances of a recall to the seniors for next month’s World Cup qualifiers at home to Malta and away to Slovenia.
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Southgate said: “I am sure this has given Sam food for thought but I am sure he will also be pleased with the performances of some of his players on Sunday and the strength in depth he has.”
Southgate said his side had ridden the storm to clinch the win.
He added: “For 15 minutes we were on the back foot.
“Norway are as good as a team as we have played at this level in three years.
“We had problems but managed to sort them out.
“And I don’t think anybody can rubbish the experience Marcus has gained by coming with us.
“The key for players who come down is to show they are the best player and put on a show like that.”
Rashford, 18, said: “It was a good game to have against strong opponents who played well despite the score-line.
“We worked hard for the whole 90 minutes and deserved the win.”