Revealed: The bizarre record Marcus Rashford could break in upcoming England friendlies against Brazil and Belgium

As England gear up for crucial friendlies against Brazil and Belgium as part of their Euro 2024 preparations, Rashford stands on the cusp of an unusual milestone. But to get into the record books, he must not start but come off the bench in both games.

Rashford is poised to equal a record currently held by former striker Jermain Defoe. The ex-England striker holds the distinction of the most substitute appearances for England, having come off the bench 35 times in 57 caps. Rashford's anticipated appearances would see him match this record, having made 33 substitute appearances so far for his country.

Among the top 10 players with the most substitute appearances for England, current midfielder Jordan Henderson ranks alongside Rashford. Henderson has made 26 appearances off the bench in 81 games, showcasing the depth of talent in Southgate's squad. Other notable names on the list include Emile Heskey, Phil Neville, Kieron Dyer, Owen Hargreaves, Joe Cole, James Milner, and Peter Crouch.

Rashford's journey with the England national team began in 2016 when he made his debut as a teenager. Since then, the 26-year-old has cemented his place as a crucial player in the squad, contributing 17 goals to date, including two memorable strikes during the Qatar 2022 World Cup. As the team prepares for challenging encounters against top-tier opponents, Rashford's impact off the bench could prove pivotal in shaping England's fortunes on the international stage.