England squad: Marcus Rashford named in 26-man Euro 2016 squad by Roy Hodgson but Theo Walcott misses out

Uncapped Rashford is included in an enlarged 26-man squad that will be cut down to 23 for the European Championships

Marcus Rashford has been included in England's preliminary Euro 2016 squad (Getty)

Roy Hodgson has included Manchester United's 18-year-old Marcus Rashford in his 26-man squad for England's preparation friendlies ahead of Euro 2016.

The uncapped Rashford has been one of the success stories of Manchester United's season and will now have a chance to prove his readiness in friendlies against Turkey, Australia and Portugal before the tournament. Rashford was chosen ahead of more experienced forwards such as Jermain Defoe and Theo Walcott who were not included.

"He is one of the contenders of course," Hodgson said. "It is great to include him. There is no reason, if he does exceptionally well, that he cannot knock someone off their perch."

Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson, both of whom are recovering from long-term injuries, were included in the group of 26. "In any squad you pick there are players you would like to have played more matches'" said Hodgson, who was delighted that Wilshere and Henderson were involved for their Premier League clubs on Sunday.

Click the gallery below to see England's preliminary Euro 2016 squad.

Hodgson said it was a "tough decision" not to take Phil Jagielka or Michael Carrick as he " respected and admired" the pair. He also hailed Andros Townsend's form since joining Newcastle in January as the reason that he was preferred over Walcott.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Tom Heaton

Defenders: Ryan Bertrand, Gary Cahill, Nathaniel Clyne, Danny Rose, Chris Smalling, John Stones, Kyle Walker

Midfielders: Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Fabian Delph, Eric Dier, Danny Drinkwater, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Raheem Sterling, Andros Townsend, Jack Wilshere

Forwards: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Wayne Rooney, Danny Sturridge, Jamie Vardy

Do you think someone else was particularly unlucky to be overlooked? Let us know in the comments below.