Pele offers Rashford advice

Posted Friday, June 03, 2016 by foxsportsasia.com

Three-time World Cup winner Pele has told Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford to play with no fear at Euro 2016.

Rashford has enjoyed an impressive debut season at Old Trafford and was a surprise inclusion in Roy Hodgson’s England final 23-man squad for the European Championship.

The 18-year-old became the Three Lions’ youngest player to score on debut when he netted the opener in a 2-1 victory against Australia on Friday.

Pele made his debut in the 1958 World Cup as a 17-year-old and immediately rose to fame after scoring a hat-trick in a 5-2 semi-final win over France, which was followed up with a brace in the 5-2 victory against Sweden in the final.

Comparisons between Pele and Rashford maybe a slightly premature, but the Brazil legend did offer the teenager some advice, regarding his age and confidence.

“In my time I didn’t have so many pressures – now there is a big pressure,” Pele told The Sun. “But if he has a good support from the team, I think he has to have confidence, and trust himself.

“Today, it doesn’t matter about age. It is important to be prepared. But never, never, never be afraid. Don’t be afraid.”