Marcus: We need VAR, but it has to be perfected
UNITED ACE SAYS MORE WORK NEEDS TO BE DONE ON SYSTEM
MARCUS Rashford believes the implementation of video assistant referees will be great for the game, once the issues that threatened to derail England’s World Cup opener are ironed out.
The Three Lions kicked off a major tournament with a victory for the first time since 2006 on Monday as Harry Kane glanced home a stoppage-time header against Tunisia.
The 2-1 win sets England up well ahead of Sunday’s Group G clash against Panama, when Gareth Southgate’s men will be hoping for better officiating from those on the ground and watching from afar.
Aggrieved at the penalty awarded against Kyle Walker by referee Wilmar Roldan, that equaliser was compounded by the VAR’s lack of action when Kane was twice bundled to the deck in the box.
Southgate felt his side were wrongly denied penalties on Monday, and Rashford hopes for quick improvements to a system the forward welcomes.
“The idea of bringing it into the game is spot on,” said the United striker.
“It will improve with time because there are some decisions where they have to at least check whether or not it’s a penalty.
“I’m sure it’s something they can improve on. It’s a tough one because I think it’s something the game definitely needed. As with everything, it needs improving and I think it will improve in time.”
Three officials from FIFA gave a presentation to the England players and staff last Wednesday, but there are clearly still issues that need clearing up.
Rashford, however, is focusing on taking their sparkling start to the game against Tunisia across 90 minutes.
“It was a good start to the tournament and it certainly gives us a platform to build on throughout the tournament,” Rashford said.
“The important thing was always the three points, but it was good that, especially in the first half, we got the performance we were looking for.
“You would expect us all to be happy and buzzing, which we were. It’s a big step to take, getting the three points. We have to improve the performances which will ultimately get the three points.”
Rashford came on a second-half substitute at the Volgograd Arena, but is now hoping to get the nod against Panama.