Roy Hodgson reveals why he snubbed Arsenal's Theo Walcott '“ and chose Newcastle's Andros Townsend

The Newcastle United winger is in Roy Hodgson's provisional 26-man squad for this summer's tournament.

Hodgson has until the end of the month to name his final 23-man selection.

Townsend, picked ahead of Arsenal's Theo Walcott, got his chance after Danny Welbeck was ruled out through injury.

"The extra cover we have given ourselves will be finished with by the time we play Australia," said Hodgson.

"I would like to tell the 23 then who will be on the plane to France.

"Leighton Baines has not played for us for over a yea,r but Danny Rose and Ryan Bertrand has been filling in.

"Michael Carrick has played regularly for us, but has been unfortunate with injuries. I spoke to them and Theo Walcott, but you have to make a decision. It was a tough conversation, but you have to do that as a coach.

"Walcott and Andros Townsend are not similar players.

"Townsend was unlucky to lose his place in the squad, but since he has gone to Newcastle he has done very well. Walcott has not had regular games."

Townsend hasn't featured for his country since October, when he fell out of favour at Tottenham Hotspur.

The 24-year-old joined Newcastle in January in a £12million deal.

And Townsend has impressed for the relegated club, which ended the campaign with a six-game unbeaten run.

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