ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson has named Manchester United’s 18-year-old striker Marcus Rashford in an initial 26-man squad for Euro 2016.
Newcastle United winger Andros Townsend and Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere are also called up for the tournament in France, which starts on 10 June.
But there is no place for Arsenal’s Theo Walcott, Everton’s Phil Jagielka or West Ham’s Mark Noble.
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The deadline for all 24 teams to submit their 23-man squads is 31 May.
Rashford only broke into the United first team in the second half of the season but quickly became a firm fixture.
He scored four times in his first two appearances and has seven goals from 16 games since making his senior debut on 25 February.
Asked about Rashford’s chances of featuring in his final 23-man squad, Hodgson, 68, said: “The competition is quite strong, he’ll understand that.
“There’s no reason why he can’t knock someone off their perch, but it will be harder than some people might expect.”
Townsend, 24, ended the campaign strongly despite his club’s relegation from the Premier League.
“Huge honour to be named in provisional England squad,” tweeted Townsend, who joined Newcastle in a £12m from Tottenham in January.
“Will give my all over next few weeks to try and make final squad!”
Wilshere, 24, broke his leg in August and only made his first start of the season for Arsenal on Sunday.
He tweeted: “Absolutely buzzing! I can’t wait to meet up with the squad and start preparing for the Euros. Thanks for all the messages.”
Responding to his omission, Walcott tweeted: “I am of course disappointed not to make the squad, but I have spoken with Roy and respect his decision.”
Hodgson’s 26-man squad features two players from Premier League champions Leicester City – striker Jamie Vardy and Danny Drinkwater – while Tottenham, who finished third, and Liverpool both provide five players.
England will play Wales, Russia and Slovakia in the group stages of Euro 2016, which runs until 10 July.
They kick off their Group B campaign against Russia on 11 June, before facing Wales (16 June) and Slovakia (20 June).
England warm up for the tournament with matches against Turkey (22 May), Australia (27 May) and Portugal (2 June).
Hodgson said he would like to tell the 23 players who have made the final squad after the game against Australia.
