Hodgson – Race against time for Rashford

Roy Hodgson admits striker Marcus Rashford will need to hit the ground running if he is to earn a place in England’s squad for Euro 2016.

The Manchester United youngster burst onto the scene in February, netting eight times in 18 appearances for his club, and showed movement and maturity seemingly beyond his age of 18.

Hodgson decided his form was enough to include him in the Three Lions’ provisional 26-man training squad but, with captain Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge also in contention, competition is extremely fierce up front.

Rashford will make his debut in Friday’s friendly against Australia and will be desperate to perform with the boss set to announce his 23-man travelling party before next Thursday’s game against Portugal.

After missing Sunday’s friendly win against Turkey due to his involvement in United’s FA Cup final victory the previous day, Hodgson says he is looking forward to seeing the 18-year-old in action, although he admits he faces a tough task to earn selection. “The amount of time we’re going to have with him (Rashford) is very, very short,” he said.

“There is no doubt I think I made the right decision putting him in this large group because the lad has enormous talent and you will know from my past record that I’m not afraid to give young players a chance. I don’t dismiss them on the basis of their age.

“But you will also know full well that where he is playing we actually have a lot of competition for places and there isn’t an awful lot of chance for him to stamp his authority on myself and the coaching staff, because there is such a short period of time.”

England are 9.00 to win Euro 2016 outright and are currently the 1.73 favourites to top Group B, which also includes Wales, Russia and Slovakia.