Rashford left out of England's provisional Euro squad

There is also no place for experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson.

Several uncapped players - Liverpool duo Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton did make the provisional list of 33.

Southgate will cut his squad to 26 by the June 7 deadline.

The exclusion of Rashford and Henderson were the biggest surprises considering the loyalty Southgate has shown them and their roles in previous tournament runs.

Rashford, 26, has earned 60 caps and scored 17 goals, including three at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but has struggled for form this season with only seven Premier League goals for Manchester United.

Southgate said: "These are difficult calls, you are talking about players who are very good players who have been an important part of what we have done.

"With Marcus, I feel players in the same area of the pitch have had better seasons, it's as simple as that.

"Hendo has given himself every chance, the determining factor is the injury he picked up in the last camp, he missed five weeks and he just hasn't been able to get to the intensity since the games since then.

"He is a fantastic professional and it was a difficult call to make."

Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling also missed out but his teammate Cole Palmer was included after a superb season.

Manchester United's Luke Shaw is also in the provisional squad despite being out for a lengthy period with injury.

Southgate said Shaw was a "long shot" to make the tournament in Germany.

"He is up against it, he has missed a lot of football," the boss said.

"Because he has been our first choice left-back we are giving him more time. I am not sure what is realistic at this moment in time.

"I have talked with him and the medical staff and I have liaised with Manchester United very closely. I have to say he is a long shot."

Squad: Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, James Trafford.

Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Harry Maguire, Jarell Quansah, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker.

Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher, Curtis Jones, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice, Adam Wharton.

Forwards: Jude Bellingham, Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, James Maddison, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins.

with PA

Australian Associated Press