Roy Hodgson gives Daniel Sturridge hope of Euro place despite Marcus Rashford's emergence

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James Benge28 May 2016

Roy Hodgson has offered Daniel Sturridge hope that he can still figure in England’s Euro 2016 squad after an ominous night for the Liverpool striker.

Sturridge watched from the sidelines after a calf strain ruled him out of England’s 2-1 victory over Australia, a match in which 18-year-old Marcus Rashford made a convincing case for selection with a debut goal inside three minutes.

Hodgson must still trim two more players from his 25-man squad before the end of the month, with Sturridge and Rashford potentially battling to be part of a striking quartet alongside Jamie Vardy, Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney.

A lengthy and varied history of injuries, Sturridge has made just 26 Premier League appearances over the past two seasons, may be held against the 26-year-old, who remains among the most instinctive and reliable finishers in the Premier League.

However Hodgson has assured Sturridge that if he can prove he will be fit for England’s opening game against Russia on June 11 he will remain under consideration.

“He'll be doing extra training on Sunday and he'll be throwing his hat into the ring,” said Hodgson. “It looks like 25 players will be asking for a seat on the plane and that I’m going to have to disappoint two of them.

“If it turns out his injury would keep him out the Euros or he would be unfit when we play Russia, that might make a difference.

“But I have no indication the seriousness of the injury is such it is putting his chances in jeopardy at all.

In pictures: England vs Australia

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“It is unfortunate he picked up this calf strain. We’ll look at it tomorrow and assess it and hopefully move on from there. He hasn’t been able to train so far since joining us and if he reports fit, he will hopefully play in the game.”

However Sturridge’s task has become significantly more vexing with the emergence of Rashford, who had not played a senior game for Manchester United before late February.

On announcing his 26-man training party Hodgson warned that Rashford faced a tough battle to overhaul more established internationals but, speaking after the 18-year-old’s debut goal, the England manager appeared to have warmed to the possibility of taking a gamble on the youngster.

“What a debut. I'm pleased for him. But I wasn't surprised with the way he played. He was always one of the players who was seriously competing for a place in the 23 and he's done his chances of travelling with us no harm.

“He tired towards the end; he was obviously feeling the pace and intensity of the game and that's normal.

"Let's wait and see...I've got until Tuesday to name my squad but he wouldn't be out of place in anyone's 23. I'll have two or three more sleepless nights turning everything over in my head before I have to submit my list.”

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