Delph to miss Euro 2016, while Sturridge struggles for fitness

Rob Conlon
Fabian Delph: Midfielder has picked up calf injury

Fabian Delph: Midfielder has picked up calf injury

Roy Hodgson admits Fabian Delph is unlikely to travel to Euro 2016 due to a calf injury, while Daniel Sturridge is also struggling for fitness.

Hodgson named a 26-man squad last week and will have to whittle that down to 23 ahead of the May 31 deadline.

Manchester City midfielder Delph, who recently admitted he sees ghosts “all the time”, is not set for a long lay-off but did not travel with the squad to Sunderland as the Three Lions prepare for Friday’s friendly with Australia at the Stadium of Light.

And Hodgson, who also confirmed Manchester United teenager Marcus Rashford is likely to start against the Socceroos, claims the 26-year-old is unlikely to play any part in France.

“It means he (Delph) probably won’t be with us in the final 23, unless of course we have injuries,” Hodgson said at a press conference broadcast on Sky Sports.

“I have put him on the standby list, which he understands and accepts. I don’t think it is going to be a long-term injury for him, so if I need him and want him to come along with us it is easy for me to call him and ask him to do so.

“I have said to him, with the situation we have with the other 25 players, it is unlikely.”

With Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge also struggling with a calf strain, Hodgson revealed that 18-year-old Rashford is set to make his England debut.

It is only three months since the Manchester United striker made his senior club bow but he will probably lead the line against Australia, with Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane rested.

Rashford has netted eight times in 18 appearances in all competitions for United and Hodgson has no doubts he can cope with the pressure.

Hodgson said: “If Sturridge isn’t fit tomorrow then I think you’ll all work out he (Rashford) is going to start the game

“I’m happy with that, I’m more than content he can handle the situation.

“It doesn’t take a lot of detective work to work that out, with me wanting to rest Vardy and Kane. There was no doubt that my original intention was to choose between Sturridge, Rashford and possibly one other.

“With those two out, it’s pretty obvious Rashford is going to play a serious part in the game.”

Midfielder Jordan Henderson said of Rashford: “He’s only trained a couple of days, he’s been very good.

“He’s still very young, in training he’s settling in very well. His finishing looked very good.

“He’s a great player with a lot of potential but at the same time he needs to keep his feet on the floor.”