World Cup: Marcus Rashford must start in place of wasteful Raheem Sterling

Marcus Rashford has the pace and skill to take men on and he can unlock packed defences, which is how Panama are likely to play. PHOTO: REUTERS

This is a brand-new England team, free of any baggage from previous failures, free of expectations and free of pressure.

And even though there is still a lot of work to do, Gareth Southgate's men have shown their quality and that they can definitely go far at this World Cup.

They played really impressive football against Tunisia in their 2-1 win and, just when we thought the match was going to end in a draw, up popped Harry Kane to save the day with a 91st-minute winner.

In Southgate's squad, only three players (Jordan Henderson, Danny Welbeck, Raheem Sterling and Gary Cahill) featured at the last World Cup.

So this is a team free from the burden of previous failures.

Nobody expected the Three Lions to go very far as they are relatively inexperienced, but that also allowed them to express themselves and play without fear.

This showed in the way they played against Tunisia on Monday. England were really impressive in the first 20 minutes, the attacking football was exciting although the finishing was poor.

Jesse Lingard missed two big chances and Sterling should have scored as well.

If I were Southgate, I would make some changes for the next game against Panama on Sunday.

I hope to see Marcus Rashford start in place of Sterling.

The Manchester United forward has the pace and skill to take men on and he can unlock packed defences, which is how Panama are likely to play.

Another player I would really want to see in action is Jamie Vardy. The Leicester striker's speed is an option if England's passing game is not working.

Welbeck, who has pace and power, should also be given a chance as England, apart from Kane, need to improve on their finishing.

Talking about Kane, he can be a huge star at this World Cup. Two attempts, two goals. What more can you ask for?

His instincts are brilliant, his first touch is good, he is confident, he is great in the air, his finishing is deadly and he takes the pressure off his team-mates. And he has a great understanding with Tottenham team-mate Dele Alli, who created a lot of chances.

Kyle Walker did not do an awful lot of wrong, but he would have learnt a very valuable lesson.

He gave away the penalty and it was a soft penalty. That is the nicest way I can put it but, at a major tournament like the World Cup, you can expect opponents to go down at the slightest contact.

Overall, it was a very positive start from England.

They never gave up and their football is refreshing to watch.

It will be down to them and Belgium to battle for top spot in Group G next week.

But, based on England's performance on Monday, they can definitely reach the quarter-finals.

Former Tottenham and Northern Ireland striker Gerry Armstrong scored three goals at the 1982 World Cup, including the famous winner in the 1-0 group-stage win over hosts Spain. He is now a commentator for Sky Sports. He was speaking to Wang Meng Meng.

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