Jack Wilshere, Marcus Rashford Named in Provisional England Squad for Euro 2016

Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere, Newcastle United winger Andros Townsend and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford have been included in England’s provisional squad for this summer’s UEFA European Championship in France.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has also been included despite his recent injury problems. There was no place for Arsenal man Theo Walcott or Everton defender Phil Jagielka, though.

Manager Roy Hodgson’s full selection was announced on Monday, with the official deadline for the the 23-man squad on May 31, per Sky News’ Paul Kelso:

Marcus Rashford included in 26-man squad for @England @UEFAEURO 2016 preparation matches. Only 23 will go to France pic.twitter.com/sstIawG5ko

— Paul Kelso (@pkelso) May 16, 2016

Henderson and Wilshere were both major doubts considering their respective recent long-term injuries, although both returned to action in the final stages of the Premier League season.

Here’s what Hodgson had to say about the squad, per Sky Sports News HQ:

Roy Hodgson reveals Marcus Rashford COULD be going to France after naming his provisional squad. Live on SSN now… https://t.co/lGUw6YulnI

— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) May 16, 2016

England’s Euro 2016 campaign kicks off against Russia on June 11, ahead of further Group B matches against Wales on June 16 and Slovakia on June 20.

Read on for a closer look at the key players in Hodgson’s squad as England aim to win a first major tournament in 50 years.

 

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart will undoubtedly be the No. 1 for England’s first match against Russia, and he deserves it. The Manchester City man has had an excellent season, keeping 15 clean sheets in the Premier League this season, per Fox Sports.

His international experience will be vital after his appearances at both Euro 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

However, should he get injured or have a dip in form during the tournament, Hodgson has an able deputy in Fraser Forster.

Indeed, so impressive has the 28-year-old been for Southampton since returning from a long-term injury in January that many would like to see him as the No. 1 option between the posts for England, such as Inside World Football’s Matt Scott:

Lots asking what concerns me about Hart. It’s that the back five is a team and they’ve conceded 38 goals in 36 games. I prefer Forster.

— Matt Scott (@Matt5cott) May 1, 2016

It is unlikely Hodgson will make such a major alteration, though, and Hart will surely be the starting goalkeeper for Euro 2016, but the fact Forster is good enough to threaten the 29-year-old’s spot is indicative of a strong unit in the England squad.

 

Defenders

Chris Smalling has …

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