England Euro 2016 squad: What we know as Roy Hodgson picks his 26

Now Roy Hogdson has selected his 26-man provisional squad for Euro 2016, we can get an insight into his psyche and get an insight into the choices he has made. 

As with any England squad there were surprise inclusions, with Marcus Rashford, Fabian Delph and Andros Townsend all getting call-ups.

And while the plans and justifications for his squad preferences will be made apparent in the near future, this is what we can take from Monday's squad announcement:

England only need three centre-backs

Roy Hodgson has left Phil Jagielka out of his squad and gambled on the fact that Eric Dier can fill in at centre-back, even though he has barely played in the position for Tottenham Hotspur. Dier has, however, played quite regularly in the centre of defence in training games with England and Hodgson also worked with the former Sporting Lisbon youngster in that role during his one-game spell as caretaker manager of England’s Under-21s in 2013. Dier’s ability to step back has allowed Hodgson to frontload his squad with more attacking players in what should be perceived as a positive move. Jagielka’s injury problems through the season also influenced the decision to leave the 33-year-old out and rely on Chris Smalling, John Stones and Gary Cahill. An injury to any of those three players will be disastrous for Hodgson, as it already seems that the centre of defence may be England’s biggest area of concern.

John Stones is among the three centre-backs chosen in Roy Hodgson's squad CREDIT:REUTERS

Fabian Delph could play a big role

Eyebrows were raised over the inclusion of Delph at the end of an injury-hit season in which he started only eight Premier League games for Manchester City. But the 26-year-old did well for Hodgson in the qualifying campaign and offers the energy the England manager wants around Jack Wilshere in midfield. Delph also fits well into a diamond midfield and Hodgson is said to be giving that particular formation greater thought since the injury to Danny Welbeck. Delph could not only survive the cut when the squad is whittled down to 23, but also has a realistic chance of starting games at the Euros. The belief that Delph is simply in the squad to offer cover in case Jordan Henderson cannot prove his fitness is not strictly correct. Both men could easily be in the final 23-man squad and could also play in the same side, either side of Wilshere, with Dele Alli at the tip of a diamond. Hodgson certainly has plenty of midfield options.

Only four outfield players started more of the Euro 2016 qualifiers for England than Fabian Delph CREDIT: REX

Andros Townsend has earned his chance

Townsend has done superbly to fight his way back into the squad after being frozen out at Tottenham Hotspur over the first half of the season. He has scored crucial international goals for Hodgson and has also proved he is capable of making an impact from the substitutes’ bench. Although he has scored five fewer goals than Theo Walcott this season, Townsend was given the nod on the basis of his form since joining Newcastle United in January. But it was last summer when the hard work really started for Townsend, as he took a fitness coach and rookie Tottenham goalkeeper Luke McGee with him to Portugal to undergo a personal fitness camp aimed at getting him in the best possible shape to compete for an England place. The extra hours have paid off, but the 24-year-old will have to perform well in training over the next week to make sure he is not among the three players to drop out after the Australia friendly.

Townsend's end of season resurgence at Newcastle earned him a call up CREDIT: X01095

Marcus Rashford is the perfect fifth striker

The shock inclusion in Hodgson’s provisional 26-man party. Rashford, in all probability, will not travel to France but his initial inclusion gives the 18-year-old valuable experience. There had been many calls for Jermain Defoe to earn a late call-up, but would the 33-year-old have wanted to effectively been placed on standby? There was also no long-term gain in making Defoe the fifth striker, while Rashford should at least benefit from being around the squad – even if it is only for a week. Hodgson was at Upton Park last week to see Rashford set up Anthony Martial and will no doubt have been impressed with the teenager’s seven goals in 16 appearances since bursting on to the scene against FC Midtjylland in February. One thing is certain – the England set-up have big hopes for Rashford, whether it is this summer or in the future.

Marcus Rashford was a surprise call up to Roy Hodgson's provisional squad CREDIT: REX

How England will line-up against Russia

Hodgson had been very much planning towards starting with a 4-3-3 formation at the Euros, but Welbeck’s injury means he will now also look at a midfield diamond before making his mind up. Assuming Hodgson remains positive, captain Wayne Rooney could well start on the left side of a front three, with Jamie Vardy battling against Adam Lallana and Raheem Sterling for the right-sided spot. Wilshere will certainly start England’s first game as long as he is fit and Alli can also be confident of his place. Should Hodgson revert to a diamond, then Rooney may well be dropped to the substitutes’ bench with Harry Kane and Vardy a potential two-man partnership.

England (4-3-3): Hart; Clyne, Smalling, Cahill, Rose; Henderson, Wilshere, Alli; Lallana, Kane, Rooney