Unseen details from Marcus Rashford freekick as England star landed World Cup 2022 first

England star Marcus Rashford’s free-kick against Wales hit a top speed of 115.63 kilometres per hour (72 miles per hour) as the Manchester United man beat Danny Ward from outside the box.

Rashford’s effort was the first direct free-kick to be scored at the 2022 World Cup. It was one of two second-half goals for the 25-year-old – and one of three for England – as Gareth Southgate’s team secured top spot in their group.

Players have struggled with set pieces in Qatar, with some blaming the ball being used at the tournament. Rashford’s England team-mate Kieran Trippier was one of several players to score directly from a free-kick at the 2018 World Cup, along with the forward’s former Manchester United colleague Cristiano Ronaldo.

Using technology inside the adidas Al Rihla Official Match Ball, FIFA has released the numbers behind Rashford’s effort. As well as the 115.63 km/h top speed, it had an average speed of 102 km/h and an average spin of 6.21 rotations per second.

It was the first direct free-kick Rashford has scored for England. However, he has scored several free-kicks for Manchester United, including an effort against Celta Vigo in the Europa League semi-final in 2017.

Rashford also scored against Iran in England’s opener, making him one of a number of players tied on three goals in the race for the Golden Boot at the World Cup. His display against Wales has seen some call for him to start the last-16 clash with Senegal.

“I am really pleased for Marcus. He showed he belongs on this stage,” Rashford’s team-mate Harry Maguire said. Rashford’s goals at the World Cup were his first since he missed from the penalty spot in England’s defeat in the final of Euro 2020.

“For the last year or so he has been in and out of the England team,” Maguire continued. “I think he has really found his form again for Manchester United and he is a massive player for our club.

“Throughout a long career, you will always have ups and downs and it is all about how you bounce back when you are out of form. He has kept working hard and done that tirelessly. I can’t speak highly enough of Marcus. He is a wonderful man and a great player.”

“Marcus is a fantastic player who has had a great career up until now,” added Maguire, who started all three of England’s group games. “I think this last year has been difficult for him, but all good players rise to the top again.

“I think if he keeps his head down and keeps working hard – first and foremost for his club – then he will get opportunities for his country.”