PICTURED: Tragic friend who Marcus Rashford dedicated his World Cup goal celebration to

Smiling and laughing together in happier times, this is Marcus Rashford with his 35-year-old late friend who the England hero dedicated his World Cup goals to last night, MailOnline can reveal today.

Fellow Mancunian Garfield Hayward died two days before the game with Wales in Qatar, after a long battle with cancer. 

After scoring his first goal, Rashford dropped to his knees and pointed to the sky in what was a poignant celebration for the man-of-the-match’s ‘big supporter’, who his friends all called ‘Garf’.

During his post-match interview, England’s matchwinner said: ‘Unfortunately I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago. He’s had quite a long battle with cancer, so I’m pleased I managed to score for him. He’s always been a big supporter of mine. He was just a great person and I’m pleased he came into my life, really.’ 

Tributes have emerged on social media including a post from ‘Garf’ where he shares a joke with Rashford and mixed martial arts star Khabib Nurmagomedov, with the caption: ‘Great time with great people’.

Marcus Rashford laughs with his late friend Garfield Hayward (right) and mixed martial arts star Khabib Nurmagomedov (left)

Marcus Rashford of England celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup match with Wales, dedicated to ‘Garf’

Rashford kisses his partner Lucia Loi after the match

There has been an outpouring of grief for Mr Hayward, who is believed to be from Manchester.

There was a tribute at a city nightclub last night, according to one Instagram post, as well as flowers left on a graffitied bridge. 

His nephew Steven said on social media: ‘My heart is hurting so much knowing I won’t see you again in this life. Uncle Garf one of the realist people I’ve ever know. You was a big part of my life growing up. Just wish we could of made alot more memories together, it won’t be the same without you being here. You was the man with the most beautiful soul. 

‘You didn’t have a bad bone in your body you would give anything and everything you could with even a single bit of hesitation. I love you man and I’m so glad I got to tell you that. You will forever be in my thoughts and my heart till the day I die. 

Another friend, Calder Taylor, shared a video of floral tributes and said: ‘Love you Garf’. One tribute said: ‘Big Garf was loved by the whole of Manchester and everyone who had the privilege of meeting him. Sending prayers and strength to all of his close friends family and loved ones’.

Marcus Rashford has revealed the emotional reasoning behind the celebration for his first goal in England’s 3-0 victory over Wales.

It was a memorable night for the Manchester United forward who scored twice to ensure England took top spot in Group B and advance to the last-16.

Rashford was brought into the starting eleven for the first time in Qatar and has given Gareth Southgate a selection headache going into their last-16 clash with Senegal on Sunday.

‘It’s been a challenge for him,’ said the England manager, who was unaware that Rashford’s friend had died in the build-up to the game.

‘I went and saw him in the summer, had a long chat with him and he had some clear ideas on things that he felt he needed to think about and to do.

‘He could have had a hat-trick, really, with the chance in the first half and then the one at the near post towards the end.

‘But great for him and because it’s great for him it’s great for us.’

After a quiet opening half, England stepped up a gear in the second with Rashford scoring a stunning free-kick to give the Three Lions the lead.

Man City star Phil Foden doubled the lead before Rashford added a third for the Three Lions – having also scored as a substitute in the 6-2 victory over Iran. 

Rashford took to Twitter after the game to post his second goal celebration, as he jumped for joy, surrounded by his England teammates, alongside the captain: ‘Last 16 here we come.’

Marcus Rashford dedicated his goals to his friend Garfield Hayward, 35, who died two days before the game with Wales in Qatar, after a long battle with cancer

Garf with Ronaldinho at the Rio Carnival in 2017

Flowers for Garf left in Manchester last night

His name was also up in lights as friends and family mourned him

Garfield Hayward (right) with friends in Manchester

Marcus Rashford of England celebrates his goal with team-mates, as he makes it 1-0

Gareth Southgate congratulates England’s forward Marcus Rashford as he is substituted after scoring two goals

Marcus Rashford posted a selfie to his Instagram account following his heroics with the caption: ‘Special moments’ with his girlfriend and family

Rashford sits with his girlfriend Ms Loi and gives a thumbs up after scoring two in the crunch match

Rashford jumps for joy after scoring his second, England’s third, in their win over Wales

England manager Gareth Southgate embraces the forward at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

Rashford said the goal was for his friend who has recently died from cancer

It was an emotional night for the forward, whose friend passed died two days earlier

It was a big night for Rashford who also scored England’s third goal as they sealed qualification

After scoring his first goal, Rashford dropped to his knees and pointed to the sky in what was a poignant celebration

The moment Rashford cut inside onto his left foot and struck a low shot through the legs of Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward

Rashford celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s third goal during the match against Wales

The Manchester United forward poses with the Budweiser Player of the Match following his brace

The 25-year-old after the game told the BBC: ‘It’s obviously a great feeling. We were disappointed as a team after the last game, we could have played a lot better. 

‘The only way to bounce back is to play better in your next game.

‘Moments like this, this is what I play football for. I am really happy today to be going into the next round of the tournament, because I have massive ambition for this team and I think we can go a lot further.’

Speaking of his free-kick goal which opened the scoring and eventually sparked England’s victory, Rashford said: ‘I fancied one in the first half, but the one in the second was in a better position. 

‘Then it’s being calm and executing what you do in training.’

After the game the Three Lions stars – who have a day off in Qatar today – mingled with family and friend sin the stands. 

Beaming model Sasha Attwood reunited with boyfriend Jack Grealish while captain Harry Kane – who is yet to score at this tournament – and his wife Katie were spotted sharing a sweet catch up pitch side, and Luke Shaw had a kiss planted on him by his long-term partner Anouska Santos.

Mason Mount was also delighted to get up to the stands after the match to greet his family, while goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and his partner Megan Davison got together for a catch up.

After the game Marcus celebrated his two goals by having a kiss with his fiancée Lucia Loi while Kalvin Phillips had a warm embrace with girlfriend Ashleigh Behan among the crowds.

Another WAG present at the match was Aaron Ramsdale’s fiancée Georgina Irwin who also gave her partner a sweet smooch following the clash.