Marcus Rashford can tear Scotland's defence apart, claims Manchester United team-mate Chris Smalling
- Scotland host England in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday night in Glasgow
- Manchester United pair Chris Smalling and Marcus Rashford could start
- Smalling believes Rashford will be relishing the prospect of playing Scotland
Chris Smalling has backed Marcus Rashford to shatter Scotland's defence and prove himself as one of the best in the world.
The Manchester United centre-back has watched Rashford's exceptional emergence at close quarters and feels the 19-year-old has the potential to become an England great.
Scotland could be tested by his pace and power on Saturday evening as Gareth Southgate weighs up handing the Old Trafford youngster a ninth cap.
Marcus Rashford has been tipped to tear Scotland apart on Saturday night
Rashford made a goalscoring debut for England against Australia last year and has been retained in the senior set-up rather than playing in this summer's Under-21 European Championship.
Smalling has no doubt his United team-mate can continue to make an impact at senior level as he lauded his talent ahead of the Hampden visit.
'I think the world is his oyster,' insisted Smalling. 'He could really be one of the best.
'You forget how old he is and how few games he's played.
Chris Smalling has backed Rashford to shatter Scotland's defence and prove himself as one of the best in the world
'As a player, he has everything. He is strong, quick and his temperament is fantastic.
'He can do skills and is a kid who just wants to play football, whether he is in the changing room, or in his room kicking balls around and knocking things over. He's a talent.
'He is someone who seems unfazed by anything. He's led our line in big games and full credit to him.'
Rashford managed 11 goals for United last season despite a limited number of starts. And Smalling feels he has the right mentality to match his ability.
'With some young players, you see them change,' said the 27-year-old defender, aiming for a 31st cap in the weekend World Cup qualifier.
'But not with Marcus. That's 100 per cent who he is.
'Does he compare with anyone? I think he's hard to compare at the minute. He could be out on his own. And he's still very young.'
Rashford is looking forward to the Hampden encounter and expects Gordon Strachan's side to offer a genuine test.
'Scotland are a good team and they have a lot of good qualities that we have to respect,' he said.
'Going up there we have to think about what they can bring to the table. But we have to go into the game confident that we're going to go there and win. No matter who the opponent is that's the attitude we have to have.
'I think the atmosphere might be one of the toughest that I'll have faced, but I hope that's the case as it's another experience to tick off the list.'
Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, meanwhile, has withdrawn from the England squad after picking up a minor injury in training at St George's Park.
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