England boss Roy Hodgson has confirmed Fabian Delph is unlikely to feature at the European Championship after suffering a groin injury.
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 has nine caps to his name, 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.”
🎥 Roy Hodgson reveals that Fabian Delph is injured and won't be in the #ThreeLions' final squad for #EURO2016. https://t.co/LfgmbmEqiz
— England (@England) May 26, 2016
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.”
