Roy Hodgson Talks Marcus Rashford, Danny Drinkwater After Euro 2016 Squad Reveal

England manager Roy Hodgson has backed "special" Marcus Rashford to impress during Euro 2016, revealing it was "difficult" leaving the likes of Premier League winner Danny Drinkwater out of his squad. Plus, the Three Lions chief sang the praises of upcoming Portuguese opponent Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Addressing the media for the first time since naming his 23-man squad on Tuesday, Hodgson hailed Rashford's spike in form throughout the first half of 2016, per England's official Twitter account:

England face Portugal on Thursday evening in their final warm-up fixture before departing for France, where they kick off their Euro 2016 campaign in Group B against Russia on June 11.

Although it is a friendly, Hodgson noted his team could utilise their showdown with Real Madrid's Ronaldo as a taster for what Wales' Gareth Bale will bring in their Group B clash come June 16:

Three Lions captain Wayne Rooney joined Hodgson in Wednesday's press conference and also heaped praise on his club team-mate, now treading a similar path to the one he walked as a teenager at Euro 2004, per the Times' Henry Winter:

Just how much involvement the Manchester United starlet will see in France is debatable, however, given Rooney, Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge are also vying for places up front.

That being said, Rooney continued to tip his team-mate for a bright future after the 18-year-old scored a goal on his debut against Australia last Friday:

Former Red Devil Drinkwater wasn't as fortunate, however, and Hodgson described it as a "difficult day" having to inform the Leicester City midfielder, Fabian Delph and Andros Townsend they hadn't made the cut.

And after winning the Premier League in fairytale fashion this past season, it was no surprise that Drinkwater's omission proved a particularly tough choice for the boss, per Winter:

Hodgson was eager to push home the notion that "football players win you games," not systems, per England's official Twitter account, hinting whatever team starts against the Portuguese could be his best lineup:

"

Hodgson: "I'm not prepared to say that the XI that starts tomorrow won't be the XI that starts against Russia." #threelions

— England (@England) June 1, 2016"

The team boss also confirmed Rooney will start and lead the Three Lions in their final pre-tournament friendly, with pressure mounting ahead of what could be a very promising competition for his side.

Almost a week remains until this summer's international showcase, and England's campaign is starting to take shape, with Hodgson's men raring to get going in France.