England Under-21 manager Gareth Southgate has heaped praise on striker Marcus Rashford following his hat-trick in his side’s 6-1 win over Norway.

The Manchester United forward made his debut for Southgate’s team and looked comfortable as he continued his fine run in front of goal.

Rashford has now scored on his debuts in the Premier League, Europa League, England’s senior side as well as the Under-21’s and his performance will have given Sam Allardyce plenty to think about it.

Rashford’s three goals were well supported by strikes from Nathaniel Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Lewis Baker as Southgate’s men moved top of Group I.

England’s resounding victory moved them closer to Euro 2017 and Southgate admits Rashford has continued to impress him since he joined up with the squad.

He told Sky Sports: “What we saw all week [from Rashford] we saw tonight so I wasn’t surprised in any way.

I don’t think anyone can rubbish the experience, the key is if they come down, they get to play and put on a show like that.

“You could see he was very comfortable in the environment and that is credit to everyone involved.

It’s important to us that players express themselves and play to the best of their ability.

I don’t know if that was his best but if there is more to come then that is very exciting.”

Rashford will now turn his attention to the Premier League as he tries to help United win the league title, which can be backed at odds of 3.75 with Dafabet.