England Euro 2016 squad: Marcus Rashford can 'knock someone off their perch', says Roy Hogdson
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford will be given the chance to "knock someone off their perch" and win a first-team role for England at Euro 2016.
Rashford, 18, was named in Roy Hodgson's 26-man provisional squad on Monday 16 May. The teenager has enjoyed a meteoric rise at Old Trafford after injuries saw Louis van Gaal hand him his debut in February, holding onto his role in the first-team and scoring seven goals in just 16 appearances.
The United youngster faces a difficult task in retaining his place in the final squad with the league's top two scorers in Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy for company, along with Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge and captain Wayne Rooney.
But Hodgson is insistent the teenager will have his chances to stake a claim for a starting role in France this summer.
"Marcus Rashford is one of the contenders," Hodgson told a press conference at Wembley following the squad announcement. "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."
Hodgson did suggest however Rashford's impact at international level is likely to come further down the line. having spoke to United's assistant manager Ryan Giggs about the player's development.
"What Ryan Giggs says publicly and privately may be different. we have had good feedback from Manchester United on the player. We have a good group of forward players and plenty of players who can be in the front positions. If he continues to develop, there is no reason why he cannot become a regular in the England team."
England take on Turkey and Australia in friendlies on 22 May and 27 May, the last opportunity for long-listed players to impress before the final squad deadline on 31 May.
16-man provisional England squad for Euro 2016
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Tom Heaton.
Defenders: Nathaniel Clyne, Kyle Walker, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling, John Stones, Ryan Bertrand, Danny Rose
Midfielders: Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Fabian Delph, Eric Dier, Danny Drinkwater, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Raheem Sterling, Andros Townsend, Jack Wilshere
Strikers: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Jamie Vardy
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