Nottingham Forest star Jesse Lingard has sent an emotional message to Manchester United star Marcus Rashford on Instagram. The United talent was a late substitute as England lost 2-1 to France in the World Cup quarter-final.
Rashford actually top-scored for England during the World Cup. He scored twice against Wales and also bagged during the 6-2 victory over Iran in the opening game of the group stages.
Bukayo Saka also scored three goals for England at the tournament. It was perhaps the form of Rashford that proved most surprising, however, with the 25-year-old’s place in doubt at one point.
Lingard was one of England’s better players at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He was an important part of Gareth Southgate’s squad and could hold his head high after a semi-final exit.
This time he was forced to watch from home. His form at Forest had picked up prior to the World Cup but ultimately he left it too late to make a real charge, with England preferring other options.
Still, he cares deeply about the England setup. If his form does pick up, it would be no surprise to see Southgate call on the player should he stay in good form as the season progresses.
Lingard sends emotional message to Rashford as England bow out
The Forest star spent several years playing alongside Rashford at Manchester United. He decided to leave in the summer, however, departing on a free as his contract expired at Old Trafford.
Lingard scored his first Forest goal during a 2-0 win over Tottenham in the League Cup. He will now hope to keep his place in the team after the World Cup and kick on as a Reds performer.
The Forest man was on hand to commiserate Rashford. The England star posted on Instagram shortly after the World Cup exit and offered the United player his sympathies.
Lingard posted: “Proud of you brother.”
Interestingly, Rashford could earn a reunion with Lingard during the first Premier League game back.
Forest travel to Old Trafford later this month when they will be looking to continue their fight against relegation.
Rashford will undergo a period of rest but he will hope to be fit and available for selection when domestic football does return.
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