MARCUS RASHFORD lit up Elland Road last night as England finished their World Cup preparations on a high.

The Manchester United forward’s wicked long-range strike on the 13th minute broke the deadlock against a Costa Rica team who turned up to defend.

Rashford wowed the crowd with his skill in general play as well as his goal, and played a part in the second with a neat pass to Dele Alli, who crossed for Danny Welbeck to head home.

The Manchester United players were booed when their names were read out in the home stadium of bitter rivals Leeds United, but even the most partisan Leeds fans couldn’t help but applaud his goal.

“Rashford played with a real swagger tonight,” agreed manager Gareth Southgate.

“The goal was world-class. He’s teasing defenders by the touchline and, though his performance wasn’t perfect, he was enjoying his football and that was good to see.”

The England manager has told the team to play without fear and with attacking intentions. He acknowledged that they will make mistakes when playing in this manner but encouraged his players not to worry about them.

“I said to all the team before the game I expect to see mistakes tonight and, if I don’t, there might be a problem because we wouldn’t be being as attack-minded as we want to be,” added Southgate. 

“They are going to make errors but by taking risks they show the glimpses of quality like Marcus’s opening goal.”

This was a rare game away from Wembley and the atmosphere within Elland Road confirmed that this was a good idea which should be repeated in the future.

The whole team were buoyed by the support they had from the fans, and it was the perfect setting for the team as they prepare for their opening World Cup game against Tunisia a week on Monday.

It certainly put the nation in World Cup mode.

“It was brilliant. Fantastic to see so many youngsters lining the route in, which was a huge lift,” said Southgate. 

“The atmosphere within the ground was brilliant. Little bit of good-natured teasing of the Man United lads, obviously, which is to be expected. Booed in, applauded off.

“Yorkshire is a brilliant county who love their sport. It was a great experience for us and a really good send off.”