Marcus Rashford's long-term future has been plunged into fresh doubt following reports that Barcelona have allowed a crucial transfer deadline to pass. The England forward, who has spent the campaign on loan at Camp Nou, now faces the prospect of an unexpected return to Manchester United this summer.

England's final two games on home soil before the 2026 World Cup were supposed to give Thomas Tuchel's men the perfect send-off for North America. However, instead of being waved off with flowers, the Three Lions left the Wembley pitch to the sound of boos following their 1-0 defeat to Japan on Tuesday, which followed their uninspiring draw against Uruguay four days earlier.

The 12 games of the Thomas Tuchel era have yielded mixed results and performances from England. They remain one of the best sides in international football, even if they haven't played particularly well for extended stretches since the Sir Gareth Southgate era. That said, they are among the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup for several reasons.

The road to the 2026 World Cup is almost over for England. The next time the Three Lions convene, they will do so for two pre-tournament friendlies in the United States, against Costa Rica and New Zealand, before kicking-off their tournament against Croatia on June 17. They will do so as one of the favourites to go all the way, with the pressure on Thomas Tuchel and his players to finally end 60 years of hurt.

Barcelona have reportedly put their pursuit of a permanent transfer for Marcus Rashford on ice as the club’s precarious economic situation resurfaces. Despite a verbal agreement on personal terms, the Catalan giants are reconsidering the feasibility of keeping the Manchester United loanee for the long-term.