England manager Thomas Tuchel has said there are “no limits” to Marcus Rashford’s potential, but cautioned the Barcelona forward against ending his career with regrets about “what could have been.”

Rashford, who joined Barcelona on a season-long loan from Manchester United, has scored three goals and provided five assists in 10 appearances for the Spanish champions this season. His form has sparked fresh hope of a revival for the 27-year-old, who has struggled for consistency in recent years.

Rashford’s resurgence in Spain

The forward’s performances in La Liga have drawn praise from both his club and national team coaches. Rashford impressed during a short spell at Aston Villa last season, earning a recall to the England squad seven months ago — his first under Tuchel since March 2024.

“It’s not a question of talent, it’s a question of whether he can prove the point at club and international level,” Tuchel told reporters ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia in Riga on Tuesday.

Tuchel said Rashford’s abilities were undeniable but urged him to maintain consistency: “He can be one of the best in the world because the quality I see in training — the finishing with both legs, the explosiveness, the strength in the air — it’s all there. But potential is a dangerous word. You have to reach your personal best regularly. Otherwise, one day you’ll look back and think about what could have been.”

Barcelona impressed with Rashford

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has also been pleased with Rashford’s performances, describing him as “unbelievable” and confirming that the club holds a £30 million option to sign him permanently in 2026.

Rashford’s renewed form has been vital for Barcelona, where he also scored twice in the Champions League against Newcastle United. His confidence and sharpness in front of goal have been attributed to Flick’s high-intensity training regime and Tuchel’s backing at the international level.

However, Rashford’s journey to revival has not been smooth. Earlier this year, then-Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim publicly criticised him for not displaying the commitment expected from a player of his calibre. Rashford’s move to Barcelona was viewed as an opportunity to rediscover his passion and confidence — and so far, it appears to be working.

England’s qualification within reach

Tuchel’s comments came ahead of England’s crucial qualifier against Latvia. A win on Tuesday would guarantee England’s qualification for next summer’s FIFA World Cup, to be hosted jointly by Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

Despite criticism following a sluggish start under Tuchel’s leadership, England have gradually found rhythm. The team’s recent 5-0 victory over Serbia and a 3-0 win against Wales showcased their attacking strength and tactical discipline.

“It’s a pleasure to coach and a pleasure to watch at the moment,” Tuchel said. “The effort against Wales was outstanding, especially in the first half — they couldn’t escape their own half. We are setting high standards, and the team is responding with hunger and intensity.”

England under Tuchel: Finding form after a rocky start

Tuchel, who replaced Gareth Southgate on January 1, 2025, faced early scrutiny after England’s underwhelming performances against Andorra and Senegal in June. The narrow win over Andorra and the 3-1 home loss to Senegal drew criticism from fans and pundits.

However, recent results have silenced many doubters. The tactical flexibility Tuchel has introduced, coupled with the resurgence of players like Rashford, Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham, has given England a sharper edge.

“Of course, there’s always room for improvement,” Tuchel added. “But what we are seeing now is a team that is hungry, organised, and enjoying their football again.”

Looking ahead

With England poised to secure World Cup qualification, Tuchel’s biggest challenge will be maintaining momentum and ensuring players like Rashford continue to deliver consistently at both club and international levels.

For Rashford, this season could mark a turning point — one that defines whether he fulfils his immense potential or becomes another tale of “what might have been.”