World Cup: David Beckham sends message to England star Marcus Rashford after Iran goal

Former England captain David Beckham has congratulated Marcus Rashford for his comeback goal in Monday's 6-2 victory over Iran.

The Manchester United forward scored just 49 seconds after coming on as a substitute in the second-half - in his first game for the Three Lions since his penalty miss at the Euro 2020 final.

It was a special moment for the 25-year-old who has had to fight way back into the set-up after losing his place last season as he struggled for form at Manchester United.

Rashford has made a bright start to the new campaign for his club and justified his selection with a well taken finish in England's World Cup opener.

Beckham, who was in attendance at the Khalifa International Stadium, congratulated Rashford in a response to an Instagram post following the game.

The former Three Lions captain, who made 115 appearances for his country between 1996 and 2009, wrote: 'Great goal mate.'

His reply was in response to the Three Lions star who wrote: 'Words can’t express my happiness in scoring at the World Cup.

'Great performance from the team see you guys on Friday.'

He also received praise from a number of England and Manchester United team-mates, with Bruno Fernandes commenting: 'What a player.'

It's been a long road back for the United forward who was named on Gareth Southgate's bench against Iran.

With England already 4-1 up, Rashford was one of a number of players to be brought on after 70 minutes.

While the stadium announcer was still informing the crowd about England's substitutions, Rashford was played through by Harry Kane and slotted past goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini to mark his international return in style.

According to Opta, the goal, which saw Rashford take just three touches, was the third-fastest goal by a substitute in World Cup history.

Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish also got in on the act in a successful start for the Three Lions.

They next play the United States on Friday - who drew 1-1 with Wales on Monday.

There has been much scrutiny on Beckham who has taken up an ambassadorial role for the tournament held in Qatar.

His decision to take up the role comes despite the backlash of Qatar's poor human rights record, amid accusations that the country is using the tournament to sportswash its global image.