Marcus Rashford was given another opportunity by Thomas Tuchel, but once again failed to impress.
If you were picking your starting eleven for next year`s World Cup today, Rashford likely wouldn`t make the cut.
The 27-year-old`s disappointing performance in the 3-0 victory over Latvia mirrored his struggles at the club level over the past couple of seasons.
Statistically, he created six chances, but it didn`t feel that way during the game.
The Manchester United forward, currently on loan at Aston Villa, showed plenty of positive intent in the first half.
He was too quick for Latvia`s right-back, Roberts Savalnieks.
He also supported his defenders when Latvia occasionally attacked.
Rashford seemed to be responding to criticism from coach Thomas Tuchel for not being direct enough in the 2-0 win against Albania.
However, the final, crucial pass was missing. After switching to the right flank in the second half, he barely touched the ball before being substituted by Curtis Jones.
Rashford isn`t the only player who has struggled to make an impact in the final third during England`s recent lackluster performances.
The competition for the left-wing position isn`t as fierce as it once was.
Jack Grealish`s career has stagnated, while Phil Foden has underperformed for England and expressed displeasure at playing on the left during Euro 2024.
Anthony Gordon, who was injured for this match, would likely be the preferred choice for that position if the World Cup were to start tomorrow.
Eberechi Eze also showed promise on the left when he came on as a substitute and scored the third goal, albeit with a deflection.
Rashford still has a chance, largely because his national team coach appears keen for him to succeed.
Tuchel has given him starting roles in consecutive games, a rarity for him both at club and international level in the past 18 months, highlighting how far Rashford`s standing has fallen.
He played 74 minutes before being substituted against Albania on Friday and was given only five more minutes on the pitch at Wembley last night.
Tuchel, who is on a short-term contract, seems determined to rely on experienced players, despite introducing Myles Lewis-Skelly into the squad.
Rashford, with his 62nd cap, falls into that category.
When announcing his squad for these two games, Tuchel praised Rashford`s work rate for Villa – an aspect he was often criticized for at United.
It`s still early in his loan spell under Aston Villa manager Unai Emery. In nine appearances, he has only started twice and is yet to score.
Rashford`s last goal was a brace in United`s 4-0 victory over Everton on December 1st.
When Rashford managed to get past Savalnieks in the first half last night, his final pass lacked quality.
After switching wings with Jarrod Bowen after halftime, he played a minor role in the buildup to Harry Kane`s second goal, but otherwise remained largely uninvolved.
Perhaps fatigue from a lack of playing time contributed to his performance.
However, Rashford is still expected to be in the squad for England`s next two games in June: a World Cup qualifier in Andorra and a friendly against Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.
Considering Rashford`s recent struggles – many of which have been self-inflicted – he is fortunate to be back in the England squad.
Whether he can capitalize on this opportunity remains to be seen.
Elton Marrow