England manager Roy Hodgson has claimed that Marcus Rashford is a genuine contender for the final Euro 2016 squad if he impresses during tournament preparations.

The 18-year-old Manchester United striker has been named in the 26-man squad, which will be trimmed to 23 before the European Championships begin in France next month.

Rashford, who has scored seven goals since making his United debut in February, is one of five forwards, including Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge, to be named in the provisional squad.

Hodgson is giving the teenager the chance to stake his claim, but admits that it will be difficult for the youngster given the quality of strikers that he is up against.

"He's one of the contenders, of course," Hodgson told reporters. "The competition for him is quite strong, but I think he deserves to be selected and have a chance to show us what he can do.

"He's got a big future if he can develop as he has so far. He has a chance to knock someone off their perch, but I must stress that will be harder than some think."

England will play Turkey, Australia and Portugal in international friendlies before heading to France.