Skip to content

Marcus Rashford 8/1 to start England's Euro 2016 opener

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 27:  Marcus Rashford of England looks on ahead of the International Friendly match between England and Australia at Stadium of Li
Image: Will Marcus Rashford be included in the England starting line-up for their Euro 2016 opener against Russia?

Marcus Rashford is considered more likely to start England's Euro 2016 opener than Daniel Sturridge, following the Manchester United striker's inclusion in Roy Hodgson's final 23-man squad.

Rashford is 8/1 with Sky Bet to be in the line-up when England face Russia in Marseille on June 11, having been 50/1 just to make the squad back in March.

The 18-year-old was also considered a 4/1 outsider to make the final 23 after being included in Hodgson's provisional 26-man squad, but had his odds slashed after scoring on his debut against Australia.

Rashford is one of five strikers who will be flying to France, with Harry Kane deemed almost certain to start England's opener at just 1/10, while Sturridge is considered the least likely at 10/1, having missed both warm-up friendlies to date due to injury problems.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Former England manager Peter Taylor believes Marcus Rashford has only been selected as a back-up player

The squad will complete their preparations with Thursday's Wembley clash against Portugal, with the line-up for that final friendly likely to indicate Hodgson's favoured XI for their opening game of Euro 2016.

Tottenham duo Kyle Walker and Danny Rose are currently odds-on to start in the full-back positions, while Chris Smalling and Gary Cahill are priced up as the most likely centre-back pairing.

England's route to the final
England's route to the final

Who will England have to beat to reach the final of Euro 2016? We look at their route to glory

Midfield positions look very much up for grabs, with Jack Wilshere (10/11), Jordan Henderson (2/1) and James Milner (5/2) battling it out to join Eric Dier (1/10) in the line-up.

Also See:

In the more advanced roles, Wayne Rooney (2/7) and Dele Alli (1/8) are expected to be joined by either Jamie Vardy (5/6) or Adam Lallana (evens), with Kane considered the most likely starter other than Joe Hart (1/50).

Around Sky