FC Barcelona internationals continue to add minutes with their national teams on the FIFA date. Andreas Christensen returned with Denmark for the first time since the last Euro Cup, in the goalless draw against Scotland (0-0).
On Saturday, Marcus Rashford returned to the starting eleven for England in the victory against Andorra (2-0). With Thomas Tuchel on the bench, the Barça winger played 68 minutes in what was his home in the first half of the year, Villa Park in Birmingham.
The 27-year-old forward was not part of the national team in the last Euro Cup, but has returned to the English team on the way to what would be his third World Cup. 'Rashy' was a starter in the team that reached the semifinals in 2018 in Russia (played 6 matches) and, in Qatar 2022, scored 3 goals in 5 matches with the team that fell in the quarterfinals against France.
Rashford failed to shine on his return with England
On Saturday, however, he was not entirely 'fine' in the match against Andorra. Marcus completed 24 of 31 passes (71%), with only 3 duels won in 8 attempts and one deflected shot in the 68 minutes he was on the field.
England took the lead in the first half with an own goal by central defender Christian García. In the second half, the 'Three Lions' sealed the victory with a goal from Declan Rice in the 67th minute, a result that allows the English to add 12 out of 12 points in four matchdays.
Next Tuesday, Thomas Tuchel's team visits Serbia (20:45 CEST), currently second in group K with 7 points, after two wins and a draw. Rashford could start the match from the bench if the German coach opts for Anthony Gordon. The Newcastle forward came on for Barça's '14' with 22 minutes remaining.
- 🔍Do you want to know when the FC Barcelona internationals play in the September FIFA date? At FCBN you have available the calendar of the 15 culés called up by their national teams
Christensen played the 90 minutes in his first match in 15 months with Denmark
Andreas Christensen, on the other hand, regained confidence with his national team at the Parken in Copenhagen. Although Brian Riemer's team failed to break the Scottish wall, the Barcelona central defender was impeccable in defense, completing the line of three at the back that characterizes the red team.
During the 90 minutes, Christensen completed 78 passes out of 81 possible (91%), with 8 defensive actions, 5 clearances, 4 recoveries and a pair of duels won in the same number of attempts. In addition, he only committed one foul and provoked another, being an authentic lock in the Danish defense.
Andreas missed almost all of 24/25 due to problems in the left Achilles tendon and other problems in the right soleus. However, he has completely overcome his ailments and, with Barça, he was already a starter in Vallecas against Rayo (1-1). On Monday, the 29-year-old defender will be a starter again in Denmark's visit to Greece (20:45 CEST).