FIFA expert blasts Marcus Rashford for 'blatant cheating' in England vs Latvia
03/24/2025 05:38 PM
Marcus Rashford deserved punishment for an “act of simulation” during England’s 3-0 win over Latvia, according to Keith Hackett.
Rashford is under pressure to impress Thomas Tuchel, with his spot in the England squad at stake ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and he was clearly too keen to make an impact on Monday 24 March.
The 27-year-old, currently on loan from Man United, charged into Latvia’s penalty area, getting the fans inside Wembley Stadium on their feet before going down under pressure from Roberts Savalnieks.
The Three Lions were not awarded a spot-kick and Harry Kane, who has been tipped to sign for Arsenal this summer, was not given the opportunity to open the scoring from 12 yards.
Marcus Rashford attempts to help England to routine win over Latvia
Tuchel’s side were struggling to unlock Latvia’s defence, with Rashford’s efforts down the right flank being well marshalled, but that all changed in the 38th minute.
Reece James curled home a beautiful free-kick, easing some of the tension at Wembley, with Declan Rice and Kane eventually linking up in the 68th minute to hand the Three Lions a two-goal lead.
Late substitute, Eberechi Eze, added a third with 15 minutes remaining to put the game completely out of sight for the visitors, using trickery and pace instead of attempting to win a penalty.
While Rashford was looking to open up the Latvian defence in the opening stages, speaking to Football Insider, Hackett called for football authorities to stamp down on these incidents with firmer action.
| Marcus Rashford v Latvia | Stats, as per FotMob |
| Minutes played | 79 |
| Passing accuracy | 82% (33/40) |
| Chances created | 6 |
| Successful dribbles | 17% (1/6) |
| Accurate crosses | 27% (3/11) |
| Ground duels won | 25% (2/8) |
Football authorities to stamp down on simulation after Marcus Rashford incident
After being asked by Football Insider whether the correct decision was made after Rashford went down in the penalty area, the former referee was unequivocal:
“The action by Rashford is blatant cheating and given the correct decision not to award the appealed penalty kick he should have issued a yellow card to Rashford for an act of simulation attempting to deceive the referee.
“Football authorities need to instruct their referees to take firmer action on these incidents.”
The Three Lions end the international break with two wins from two, placing at the top of Group K and placing themselves in the perfect position to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
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