Rashford in England preliminary Euros squad with Delph, Townsend, Wilshere recalled

The claims of West Ham United trio Andy Carroll, Aaron Cresswell and Mark Noble have been ignored by Hodgson, however, despite the club recording its best top-flight finish since 2002.

Instead it is Tottenham and Southampton left backs Rose and Bertrand who get the nod, while in midfield Wilshere and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson will be given chances to prove their fitness.

Also selected in the engine room are Spurs duo Dele Alli and Eric Dier, Leicester City cap Danny Drinkwater and the versatile James Milner – one of five players from Anfield to get the nod.

There is no place in Hodgson’s squad for Manchester United trio Michael Carrick, Phil Jones and Luke Shaw, though captain Wayne Rooney is included alongside impressive Old Trafford defender Smalling.

Everton defensive duo Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka are left out, with the Toffees’ poor form at the back costing Roberto Martinez his job. Attacking midfielder Ross Barkley and Stones do represent Goodison Park on the England roster, though.

In-form Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe had hoped for an international recall with Coral slashing odds for him to make the Euros roster, but Hodgson has preferred younger legs in Rashford.

Hodgson has his say on squad

“When we were thinking how many players were wanted, there was uncertainty over Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson, both are medically fit and it was better to add players to the squad,” Hodgson said, explaining his U-turn and naming 26 players instead of the expected 23.

“Leighton Baines has not played for us for over a year, but Danny Rose and Ryan Bertrand have been filling in. Michael Carrick has played regularly for us, but has been unfortunate with injuries.

“I spoke to them and Theo Walcott, but you have to make a decision. It was a tough conversation, but you have to do that as a coach. Walcott and Andros Townsend are not similar players. Townsend was unlucky to lose his place in the squad, but since he has gone to Newcastle he has done very well. Walcott has not had regular games.”

“Marcus Rashford is one of the contenders. Competition is strong and he deserves to be selected for the main squad but I am pleased someone who has had an outstanding end to the season has a great future. He will have the chance to knock someone off their perch.”

England’s preliminary Euro 2016 squad

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Fraser Forster (Southampton), Tom Heaton (Burnley)

Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Danny Rose and Kyle Walker (both Tottenham), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Everton)

Midfielders: Dele Alli and Eric Dier (both Spurs), Ross Barkley (Everton), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana and James Milner (all Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Spurs), Marcus Rashford and Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Newcastle United), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City).

Related

Check out comprehensive coverage of Euro 2016 ahead of the tournament on Coral’s special page.