Marcus Rashford pledges support to victims of Manchester and London terror attacks as England star prepares for double-header against Scotland and France

  • Rashford visited the young victims of the Manchester terror attack in hospital
  • Manchester United star joined Jesse Lingard at Manchester Children's Hospital
  • Teenage striker has expressed solidarity with those affected by the atrocity
  • Rashford is on international duty with England this week ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier in Scotland and next Tuesday's friendly in France 

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has vowed to support the victims of the Manchester bombing after a hospital visit.

The 19-year-old joined team-mate Jesse Lingard at Manchester Children's Hospital on Monday to spend time with some of the injured children.

The pair brought club shirts for those being treated after 22 people were killed in a terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena just over two weeks ago, and more than 120 others were injured.

Manchester United stars Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford visited victims of the terror attack in the city at the Manchester Children's Hospital on Monday

Manchester United stars Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford visited victims of the terror attack in the city at the Manchester Children's Hospital on Monday

The Old Trafford players spent time talking to some of the victims of the terror atrocity

The Old Trafford players spent time talking to some of the victims of the terror atrocity

Lingard, who was born in Warrington, has played for United since he was seven-years-old while Rashford was raised in Wythenshawe, just south of Manchester.


Rashford said: 'The things which are happening around the county and the world are not good.

'It's disappointing to hear about the attacks in Manchester and London. We are with the families as much as we can be and it's important the families know that.

'That's one of the reasons why we wanted to visit the hospitals.

'We are doing all we can to support the families and the victims of the attack. Things like the concert (at Old Trafford Cricket Ground on Sunday) and going to the hospital shows the families and people around the city we are together and we have to fight it together.'

Lingard and a fan practise their 'dabs' as Rashford looks on during their hospital visit

Lingard and a fan practise their 'dabs' as Rashford looks on during their hospital visit

Rashford and Lingard hand out shirts during their visit to Manchester Children's Hospital

Rashford and Lingard hand out shirts during their visit to Manchester Children's Hospital

This young girl looked delighted to see the Manchester stars during their visit on Monday

This young girl looked delighted to see the Manchester stars during their visit on Monday

England fixtures 

World Cup 2018 qualifier unless stated

Saturday Scotland (A)

June 13 France (A)

Friendly

September 1 Malta (A)

September 4 Slovakia (H)

October 5 Slovenia (H)

October 8 Lithuania (A)

Advertisement

Rashford and Lingard have now joined up with the England senior squad for their World Cup qualifier against Scotland on Saturday and next week's friendly in France.

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate opted to call him up rather than allow Rashford to join Aidy Boothroyd's Under-21 squad for Euro 2017.

But the striker, who scored 11 goals in 53 games for United last season, is happy with the decision which means he misses the European Championships in Poland which start next week.

Rashford said: 'He's (Southgate) had to think about what's best for England and for me as a player. I'm happy to be with the seniors and to continue my development. It's important to be on the same page.

'It's something you look forward to, being selected for your country. You have the Under-20s in South Korea doing well (in the World Cup) and the Under-21s going into a tournament.

'Whatever age group you're called upon it's important you have a mindset where you're going to achieve great things.

Marcus Rashford pictured in training with England at St George's Park on Tuesday

Marcus Rashford pictured in training with England at St George's Park on Tuesday

The Man United striker could be involved in England's games against Scotland and France

The Man United striker could be involved in England's games against Scotland and France

England are in a strong position in qualifying Group F, four point ahead of Slovakia

England are in a strong position in qualifying Group F, four point ahead of Slovakia

'To me it's not being fast-tracked. There's been a lot of games, England and United have dealt with it in a positive way. I feel comfortable with the position I'm in.'

Victory for England in Glasgow would put England on the brink of qualification for next year's World Cup in Russia. They are four points clear in Group F but Rashford remains wary of Scotland.

'Scotland are a good team, they have a lot of good qualities we have to respect,' said the forward.

'We have to think about what they can bring to the table. We have to go into the game confident we're going to win. No matter who the opponent is that's the attitude we have to have.

Rashford spoke to the media at St George's Park on Tuesday ahead of the trip to Scotland

Rashford spoke to the media at St George's Park on Tuesday ahead of the trip to Scotland

Rashford shares a joke with Raheem Sterling during Tuesday's England training session

Rashford shares a joke with Raheem Sterling during Tuesday's England training session

'It's another experience, possibly one of the toughest I have faced. It's another experience I can tick off the list and keep on moving forward.'

Rashford also believes his United team-mate Wayne Rooney can return for England after being left out of a second straight squad.

He added: 'Knowing Wayne and the ability he has, he's still got a lot to do in his career and there are a lot of trophies England hope to be playing for.

'Wayne is a massive influence around the whole squad and I'm sure his international career is not over and he'll be back fighting for many trophies.'