Euro 2016

Roy Hodgson opens Euro 2016 door for Marcus Rashford

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 03 March 2016

England manager Roy Hodgson refuses to rule out naming Manchester United's 18-year-old striker Marcus Rashford in his squad for Euro 2016.

England manager Roy Hodgson has insisted that Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has a chance to make his squad for Euro 2016 this summer.

The 18-year-old burst onto the scene last week having been a late replacement in the starting XI for the injured Anthony Martial in the Europa League, going on to score two goals against FC Midtjylland and following that up with another brace against Arsenal.

Rashford kept his place in the side despite the return of Martial against Watford on Wednesday night, and Hodgson revealed that the youngster has been on his radar for some time.

"I would neither rule him in or rule him out, I just hope he can do well. I have been watching Rashford for two years, so I have known about him for a long time. He is in our system. He plays for the [England] Under-18 team, so we are delighted that a player playing for our Under-18s, players who we believe in and who we think have got a bright future, are getting chances in the first team," he told reporters.

"That is wonderful and long may it continue. I hope he has a good end to the season. Most of all, I hope he is allowed to develop as an 18-year-old should and people don't try to put him under enormous pressure. Scoring four goals in three games is a great achievement and if he can keep that up, it is great for Manchester United and England.

"Last time I was with the national coaches we were talking about the players, in particular the under-19 squad which is competing for another major tournament and they think the under-19 squad is a strong one and Rashford's name was mentioned then."

England have been drawn in Group B of Euro 2016 alongside Russia, Wales and Slovakia.