'Apart from Rashford, everybody else looks petrified' - England playing with fear, says Wright

The Manchester United forward continues to impress for his country in a side which has faced criticism on the back of more uninspiring displays

forward Marcus Rashford is the only player who does not look “petrified”, according to Ian Wright.

Red Devils 11/4 for PL title

The Three Lions have wrapped up qualification for the 2018 World Cup, with another unbeaten campaign carrying them to .

Gareth Southgate's side have, however, faced criticism for stumbling their way through on the back of uninspiring displays.

Rashford has been a rare bright spark, with Wright of the opinion that the 19-year-old is the only player in the squad not playing under the weight of fear that pressure brings.

The ex-England striker told ITV on the problems facing Southgate as England edged their way to a 1-0 victory over Lithuania: "I think he's been quite honest with them.

"I personally feel that what he should be trying to concentrate on now with England now we're there is to pass the ball forward more. Players are playing with fear.

"We're talking about a kind of generation of players that from academy all the way up to first-team, there's hardly any pressure put on them.

"The most these guys get pressure is when they play for England.

"When you look at the way we used to qualify out of this group, I can't remember any game where we've played expansive, or not even expansive, just a positive game of football — people getting forward, having shots.

"Apart from Rashford, everybody else looks petrified."

Southgate fielded a three-man defence against Lithuania, while handing debuts to Harry Maguire and Harry Winks.

He will get further opportunities to experiment heading towards next summer's World Cup, with England set to see their credentials given a stern examination in the coming months.

The November international break will see them take in home dates against and , with two of the favourites for global glory expected to help highlight the true state of Southgate’s side.