Ollie Watkins has spoken glowingly about Marcus Rashford as the two forwards prepare to represent England at the World Cup this month.
The pair shared the second half of the 2024/2025 season together at Aston Villa, and both have gone on to enjoy impressive club campaigns in 2025/2026.
Their strong form has culminated in silverware, with both players ending the season with trophies to show for their efforts.
Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, was crowned a La Liga champion with Barcelona in May and also won the Spanish Super Cup back in January.
Watkins, meanwhile, played a key role in Aston Villa’s run to becoming Europa League winners, lifting the trophy just a fortnight ago.
Although Watkins did not score in the final against Freiburg, he contributed five goals and two assists across his 15 appearances throughout the competition before the triumph.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand on the Rio Meets podcast ahead of joining up with the Three Lions, Watkins was effusive in his admiration for Rashford.
“There were times where, like the Paris Saint-Germain game [in the Champions League], he absolutely ripped them apart,” Watkins said. “I’m on the sideline thinking, ‘I shouldn’t come on here really!'”
Watkins added: “I knew Marcus’s talent. He was unbelievable. His ability is frightening.”
With the World Cup set to conclude in the coming weeks, the question of Rashford’s long-term future will rise back to the surface for Manchester United, Barcelona, and the player himself.
Barcelona’s recent £70 million signing of Anthony Gordon has raised doubts over whether the club can afford or even require the Carrington graduate at Hansi Flick’s disposal next season.
Reports have indicated Barcelona could attempt a cut-price offer of £13 million to sign Rashford permanently, though that figure is almost certain to be dismissed by INEOS.
United officials would reportedly argue that Rashford’s loan performances have pushed his value well beyond the £26 million buy option included in his agreement last summer.
Across all competitions for Barcelona, Rashford made 49 appearances, scoring 14 goals and contributing 14 assists during his stint with the Catalan club.
Despite a change of manager at Old Trafford, Rashford is still widely expected to have no future at the club where he came through the academy ranks.
United are understood to be keen on selling the 28-year-old, with any fee generated representing pure profit that could be reinvested into a replacement.
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