Fearless Marcus has what it takes

JESSE Lingard has backed fearless Marcus Rashford to shine for England and insisted captain Wayne Rooney should not be written off.

Manchester United striker Rashford has been tipped to start Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Malta as club and country team-mate Rooney struggles for form.

Lingard, who plays with the pair at Old Trafford, has been impressed by Rashford's start to the season which has seen the 18-year-old net four goals in nine United games. He also scored a hat-trick on his England Under-21 debut when they beat Norway 6-1 last month and has one goal in three senior caps.

Lingard said: "I haven't seen him fazed at all. He's got a love for the game and every day he's got a ball at his feet. He's still young as well so I think things are coming together for him just right at the moment, and hopefully he can carry it on.

"Over the months he has matured a lot from making his debut to now. He's gained a lot of experience at international level and in the Premier League and other competitions.

"He's coming along nicely now but we can't forget he's only young - he's still going to grow and he's still going to be get bigger. We'll have to wait and see what he does after that.

"I think it (scoring) would be massive for him. His confidence is already high anyway but if he scored on Saturday that would make him more confident.

"First and foremost we've got to win the game and we'll see what happens after that. His confidence is getting better all the time - he scores in most of the games he plays in, or he's had a hand in the goals. So he's contributing well for the club and hopefully he can carry that on."

Rashford is starting ahead of Rooney at Old Trafford, although Rooney had kept the England armband after Gareth Southgate replaced Sam Allardyce.

Rooney has just one goal in 11 games for club and country this season and has been dropped by United boss Jose Mourinho, but Lingard believes his influence and quality should not be underestimated.

"I think that really because (of what he's achieved) no one can say anything (bad) about him really," said the 23-year-old.

"He's been a top professional on and off the field for us and we look up to him as well."