Marcus Rashford has landed himself in hot water with former referee Keith Hackett for “blatant cheating” in England’s 3-0 win against Latvia on Monday night. The Manchester United winger started a second successive international match after Thomas Tuchel recalled him in his first squad as manager following an early resurgence on loan at Aston Villa.
Rashford struggled to have an impact in Friday’s 2-0 victory over Albania to start the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign at Wembley Stadium. After the final whistle, Tuchel admitted that he thought the 27-year-old and Phil Foden could offer more than they did, intensifying the pressure to make a positive impression. Rashford was vastly improved against Latvia, though, creating six chances in a playmaker’s performance.
The Villa forward searched for a penalty in the second half after marauding into the penalty area before going to ground under a challenge from Roberts Savalnieks.
But Israeli referee Orel Grinfeeld waved away claims for a spot-kick, leaving Rashford frustrated, having been thwarted.
And the incident didn’t sit well with Hackett, who has called on the football authorities to stamp down on players searching for penalties.
He has branded Rashford’s actions as simulation and believes Grinfeeld should have brandished a yellow card as punishment.
“The action by Rashford is blatant cheating, and given the correct decision not to award the appealed penalty kick, he should have issued a yellow card to Rashford for an act of simulation attempting to deceive the referee,” Hackett told Football Insider.
“Football authorities need to instruct their referees to take firmer action on these incidents.”
England ultimately didn’t require an opportunity from 12 yards to break down the Latvian low block and seal a second win in as many games at the dawn of the Thomas Tuchel era.
Reece James broke the deadlock with a stunning free-kick in the 38th minute, scoring his first England goal in style.
Harry Kane netted his 71st international strike on 68 minutes to take the result out of doubt before substitute Eberechi Eze plundered his maiden Three Lions goal shortly after.
Rashford came off to applause from the Wembley crowd in the latter stages and will now return to the Midlands.
Villa are preparing for their FA Cup quarter-final at Preston North End this weekend before a testing triple header that follows.
Back-to-back Premier League games against Brighton and Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest precede a Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain.
