England forward Marcus Rashford's recent performances have earned him comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale, report the Manchester Evening News.

The Manchester United forward has become a key part Gareth Southgate’s plans - and an impressive performance in the 1-0 win against Slovenia on Thursday night prompted Martin Keown to suggest the 19-year-old can develop into a top class central striker.

“All the best players — Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi — started as wingers at some point and Rashford just needs to drift a bit more central and express himself more coming off the touchline,” the former Arsenal defender wrote in the Mail.

“I think he’ll be a top player, and they don’t stay fixed for too long out wide.

“Outside left should only be his starting position when it comes to the World Cup.”

Marcus Rashford in action for England (
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)
Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Real Madrid (
Image:
Bongarts)

Meanwhile Rashford’s former United coach Ryan Giggs believes he has ‘everything.’

Speaking on ITV, the Welshman said: “His variety is very good.

“He can give that simple pass.

“If you’re a Slovenia fan you’d probably be saying ‘why don’t you get closer?’

Lionel Messi in action for Barcelona (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

“If you get closer he can run in behind and that’s where he can really hurt you.

“So he’s really got everything and like you said the body positioning is really good.

“And he’s playing on the left, right-footed, so he can go either side which he’s shown a couple of times as well.”

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