Manchester United starlet Marcus Rashford has perfect chance to prove England World Cup credentials with Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic injured... plus my team of the week

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Six months before the World Cup, Marcus Rashford has an excellent opportunity to prove why he should be starting for England in Russia.

Injuries to Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic mean that Rashford will be leading the line for Manchester United against Everton this afternoon.

Jose Mourinho has to let Rashford off the leash and give him licence to terrorise defenders with his blistering pace.

Marcus Rashford has the perfect opportunity to revitalise the Manchester United attack

Rashford's blistering pace in attack can restore the fear factor about United's play 

Watching Ibrahimovic running recently, you could tell that something was not quite right. I am sure Michael Keane and Phil Jagielka would rather be facing him than Rashford at Goodison Park.

When it comes to the pecking order of Manchester United centre forwards, Rashford should not be behind a 36-year-old who has just returned from injury.

Even before Ibrahimovic and Lukaku were ruled out, United have looked sluggish of late. With Rashford leading an attacking trio including Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard, he can restore United's fear factor.

Romelu Lukaku's injury comes at a bad time for United, who have looked sluggish of late

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has also looked out-of-sorts in attack for United since his return

It reminds me of when Rashford first burst on to the scene under Louis van Gaal. United were in a slump but Rashford injected some much-needed excitement.

If he does the same in the weeks ahead, Rashford will seriously improve his World Cup credentials. So far, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling are ahead of him in terms of who will start England's opening World Cup match against Tunisia.

Now is the time for Rashford to remind Gareth Southgate of his immense ability.

Jose Mourinho must unleash Rashford and trust him to restore United's fear factor in attack

Virgil's £75m? Then Kane must be worth £150m 

If Liverpool are signing Virgil van Dijk for £75million, then what does that make Harry Kane worth?

With Kane, you are buying the best No 9 in the world and any club would have to pay at least £150m for him. Beyond Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar, there is no better player in world football right now.

As a striker, Kane is every bit as good — if not better — than Robert Lewandowski as his outstanding record of 56 goals in 2017 proves.

Transfer fees are relative. Liverpool have been crying out for a central defender and for me, this move cements Champions League football for them next season. 

The arrival of Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool in a £75m deal cements a top four place this season

Leicester made £73m from the Champions League last season so £75m seems a fair price to confirm a top-four spot.

I wrote at the start of the season that Van Dijk is the heir to Vincent Kompany as the Premier League's best centre back. His head was not in the right place until his move but Van Dijk will be colossal for Liverpool.

If Philippe Coutinho does not leave this month, Liverpool could be the surprise package in Europe.

Few defences would relish the prospect of facing the formidable forward line of Coutinho, Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane — and in Van Dijk they now have a powerhouse and a leader at the back.

Harry Kane, pictured posing with his hat-trick balls from this year, must be worth £150m

Swansea have given themselves real hope 

What an important result for Swansea at Watford. When they were 1-0 down they looked cut adrift but this victory gives them real hope. They need improvements but there is no use buying mercenaries with relegation clauses.

Swansea should use Carlos Carvalhal's knowledge of the Championship to sign some gems. Those players will be proud to play for Swansea and will seize their chance to prove themselves in the Premier League.

If they do not beat the drop, they will still be well-equipped for a promotion push next season.

Swansea City have given themselves real hope of staying up after their win at Watford

Stoke's rotation policy could backfire 

I understand why Mark Hughes rested players against Chelsea. Newcastle at home on Monday is far more winnable for Stoke, especially with key players fresh.

The problem is that Hughes risks looking very silly if this gamble does not pay off. Do not underestimate the demoralising effect a 5-0 defeat will have had on those who came into the side. 

This was their chance to prove why they deserved to start but now they will feel they are not good enough.

Mark Hughes risks looking silly if Stoke don't get a result against Newcastle on Monday

Even before this defeat, Stoke had conceded the most goals in the league — 41 in 20 games. Now, their goal difference is at least four worse than anyone else's. With the table so tight at the bottom, that could be crucial come the end of the season.

It places immense pressure on the likes of Joe Allen, Xherdan Shaqiri and Maxim Choupo-Moting to do the business on Monday. With Stoke having drawn with Huddersfield on Boxing Day, only victory will suffice.