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."