MARCUS RASHFORD and Axel Tuanzebe are set for a sensational reunion at the World Cup – after being close pals at school.
The former classmates will go head-to-head when England lock horns with DR Congo in a last 32 tie.
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Marcus Rashford (crouching) went to Aston on Mersey School with Tosin Kehinde, Jimmy Dunne and Axel Tuanzebe (left to right) Credit: Instagram / @marcusrashford
The England man is gunning for World Cup glory Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Rashford and Tuanzebe, both 28, attended Aston on Mersey School as teenagers.
And they then went on to come through the Manchester United ranks together.
But Tuanzebe switched his international allegiance to DR Congo after giving up on England selection two years ago.
The centre-back represented the Three Lions with the Under-19s, U20s and U21s, only to never receive a call-up to the senior squad.
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And Tuanzebe, who suffered Premier League relegation with Burnley last season, is now eyeing a major upset at the World Cup.
The former Ipswich man will be forced to stop his childhood friend in his tracks if he wants to progress in the summer extravaganza.
England chief Thomas Tuchel is tempted to hand Man Utd outcast Rashford another start for the showdown with DR Congo.
He was named on the bench for the Three Lions’ group games against Croatia and Ghana before getting the nod for the win over Panama.
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Rashford (front row, far left) and Tuanzebe (back row, far right) came through the ranks at Manchester United Credit: Getty
Rashford, who is facing an uncertain future after a season-long loan with Barcelona, and Tuanzebe were not the only schoolmates to forge a professional career.
Fellow Aston on Mersey School pupils Jimmy Dunne and Tosin Kehinde were also talented youngsters at Man Utd.
And there is a sensational throwback snap of the duo, along with Rashford and Tuanzebe, in their uniform.
Dunne is currently on QPR’s books, where he has made more than 200 appearances and bagged the captain’s armband.
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The right-back has also gone on to notch three caps with the Republic of Ireland.
Kehinde spent time in Portugal, Denmark and Hungary before joining Turkish minnows Bandirmaspor last year.
