Chelsea interested in 72-cap England star

Co-hosts Mexico cruised to a 2-0 win over South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup on Thursday night. 

Julian Quinones capitalised on a mistake by South Africa to put the hosts in front early on in Mexico City, before Yaya Sithole was dismissed for denial of a goalscoring opportunity.

Raul Jimenez then headed in his first ever World Cup goal to double the hosts’ advantage, and South Africa were then reduced to nine men as Themba Zwane was dismissed for an incident off the ball, after a VAR intervention.

Mexico were also then shown a red card when Cesar Montes was penalised for a foul, but the co-hosts held on to ensure a strong start to the tournament.

England have to wait until Wednesday night to get their campaign underway, against Croatia in Dallas, Texas.

In the meantime, though, it appears that one member of the England squad has emerged as a target for a Premier League giant.

As per Simon Phillips, Chelsea are showing some interest in Manchester United and England winger Marcus Rashford.

Rashford will hope to play an important role for England at the World Cup this summer (Photo: Sipa US/Alamy)

The 28-year-old is currently on international duty with Thomas Tuchel’s squad in North America, but faces an uncertain future at club level.

Rashford spent last term on loan at Spanish side Barcelona and registered a combined 28 goals and assists in 49 games for the Spanish side, but it looks unlikely that the La Liga champions will look to sign him permanently after luring Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.

Gordon’s arrival in Spain looks to have prompted his England teammate’s departure, but it is currently unclear where he will end up.

Rashford is a product of the Red Devils’ fruitful youth academy and has played more than 420 times for the club at senior level, scoring 138 goals and providing 79 assists.

Despite Chelsea’s interest, the report does suggest that a deal is currently unlikely.