Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand says Marcus Rashford should start for England against Malta.

Ferdinand believes it's about time Rashford was rewarded with a run in the England first team.

“I think Marcus Rashford should be selected for the senior squad next week and be unleashed against Malta," Ferdinand told the London Evening Standard.

“Including his hat-trick for the U21s against Norway earlier this month, no English striker has scored more goals since he made his professional debut in February.

“I don't care how old you are, that record warrants a place in the squad.

"He has been the best striker in this country since February in terms of output – the statistics don't lie."