Hodgson won't rule out taking Rashford to Euros

MARCUS Rashford is poised to make his England debut on Friday - but time for him to win a Euro 2016 spot is short.

That is the message from manager Roy Hodgson to the 18-year-old Manchester United striker as preparations for this summer's tournament in France gather pace.

Rashford, who has scored eight goals in 18 appearances for United, took part in England training on Monday.

He was able to feature despite being forced off during United's FA Cup final victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday and could face Australia in Friday's friendly at the Stadium of Light.

Asked if Rashford could play, Hodgson said: "We'd hope so, yes. I'm not planning an experimental team but we have only three preparation games and already quite a lot of people - seven players - have missed the first one.

"The amount of time we're going to have with him is very, very short. There is no doubt I think I made the right decision putting him in this large group because the lad has enormous talent and you will know from my past record that I'm not afraid to give young players a chance.

"But you will also know full well that where he is playing we actually have a lot of competition for places and there isn't an awful lot of chance for him to stamp his authority.

"I am ruling nothing out and I thought his performance in the FA Cup final was very good."