DANNY Rose expects his battle with Saints man Ryan Bertrand for the England left-back spot at Euro 2016 to be a close one.

Rose was given the first opportunity to stake his claim by playing 90 minutes in Sunday’s warm-up friendly against Turkey at the Etihad.

The Tottenham defender overcame a difficult start to deliver a solid performance and earn the sponsors’ man of the match award in England’s 2-1 victory.

Bertrand will have to wait his turn with this Friday’s friendly at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light earmarked as the Saints defender’s chance to stake his claim.

“I didn’t expect to start. We found out the team on Friday and it was a great surprise,” said Rose.

“Me and Ryan are going to go at it toe-to-toe for the next two weeks and may the best man win.

“Four months ago I wouldn’t have thought I would be in this position, it is pretty surreal. I am just trying to enjoy every minute of it and take my club form into international level.”

There is, unsurprisingly, very little to choose statistically between the duo.

Bertrand’s return from injury back in September marked an upturn in Saints’ fortunes this season, as he went on to make 34 appearances to help Ronald Koeman’s side to their best-ever Premier League finish.

The 26-year-old claimed three assists for Saints in the league and played five matches at centre-back, which adds further versatility to his game.

Rose also assisted three goals and made 30 appearances in all competitions.

The 25-year-old was exposed as Turkey cancelled out Harry Kane’s early opener through Hakan Calhanoglu and there were some other anxious moments for the England back four before Jamie Vardy secured victory.

Rose added: “We are definitely optimistic but there was a message from the manager after the game that we are going to have to defend better if we are going to go anywhere in the European Championship.

“But if we put the mistakes we made right that will give us a good platform to build on. We have got two weeks to put everything right.”