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Fikayo Tomori, Marc Guehi, Ivan Toney, Tammy Abraham and Jarrod Bowen have missed England’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate will designate his official 26-man roster for the tournament later on Thursday.
But AC Milan’s Tomori and Crystal Palace’s Guehi – both highly regarded young center halves – will not travel, and Kyle Walker and Ben White are expected to be named as one of the centre-backs. West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen is also left out.
Roma striker Abraham, meanwhile, has paid the price for his poor form with his club, with Brentford player Ivan Toney also out. Callum Wilson of Newcastle is in line to replace England captain Harry Kane up front.
Fikayo Tomori (left) and Marc Guehi (right) have missed England’s World Cup squad
Three Lions manager Southgate (above) will announce his official 26-man roster later on Thursday
Brentford striker Ivan Toney has also been overlooked, with Callum Wilson a likely shot
West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen, in poor form this season, also misses the roster
Walker will be included in Southgate’s roster announced on Thursday after he has recovered sufficiently from groin surgery.
The Manchester City defender is vital to Southgate as he can play as a right-back in a back four, or as a center back in a back three if the England manager wants to switch formation.
Walker, 32, has not played since suffering a groin injury in City’s 6-3 win over Manchester United early last month. His return to fitness is a huge boost for Southgate ahead of England’s opening match in Qatar against Iran, a week on Monday.
Roma striker Tammy Abraham has paid the price for poor club form and is also missing
Kyle Walker (pictured) is hopeful he has proven his suitability in England ahead of the World Cup
Gareth Southgate (centre) is set to pick Manchester City’s star despite still recovering, especially in light of Reece James (top right) missing out on the tournament through injury
Walker’s club mate Kalvin Phillips will also be included in the roster, despite recent shoulder surgery.
He had played just 14 minutes this season before Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup game against Chelsea, but became a fixture under Southgate as England reached the final of last summer’s European Championship.
James Maddison will miss out on Leicester City despite his sparkling form and fears the worst, but Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is in a strong position to win a recall.
Chelsea full back Reece James misses after failing to recover from knee injury. “Devastated,” he wrote on social media. “From the moment I injured my knee, I knew the turnaround to make it to the World Cup would be tight, but I’ve always felt it was possible.
“I worked harder than I ever imagined to give myself the best chance of going and I really believed I could help the team. There was a risk on both sides, but it was one I was willing to take. Good luck to the boys. I’ll be right back. Stay safe and send love.’
White is also in contention for a place in the squad after a string of excellent displays for Arsenal at right-back. The defender’s versatility is an attraction for Southgate, but if White, who can also play at the center of midfield, is selected, it will pay off after a solid start to the season.
Despite being left out of Southgate’s previous squad, White has remained in close contact with the England side, sparking optimism that he will be chosen in James’ absence.
But despite showing excellent form, James Maddison will miss Leicester City
There is likely to be a seat for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford (pictured above)
Due to Ben Chilwell’s failure with a hamstring injury, Southgate has no experienced cover for Luke Shaw at left back, which could work against White.
But Kieran Trippier, who is likely to start the tournament as first-choice right-back, can also play as left-back, opening the door to White’s roster – although Ryan Sessegnon, Tyrick Mitchell and Ashley Young were both named in England’s expanded 55 men plow.
On the attack, Rashford’s return to form at Manchester United has been well timed amid concerns over England’s standout options behind captain Harry Kane.
Rashford has not been selected since 2021 due to a loss of form, but Southgate is an admirer of the attacker.
Phillips, a key figure in England’s run-up to last year’s European Championship final, has recovered from shoulder surgery and is available for selection.
Arsenal defender Ben White is also expected to get the nod for England’s World Cup squad
Walker’s Manchester City team-mate Kalvin Phillips will also appear after returning from injury
There is a growing sense that the central midfielder will be included, despite only getting 14 minutes of action this season.
Conor Gallagher remains on Southgate’s radar after getting more playing time at Chelsea in recent weeks.
Tammy Abraham, Ivan Toney, Jarrod Bowen and Callum Wilson will also all be desperate to avoid disappointment when Southgate rounds out his options ahead of time.
England long shot James Justin will not go to Qatar after suffering an Achilles tendon in Leicester’s win over Newport on Tuesday.
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who was selected in the previous selection, will also miss to make way for the again fit Jordan Pickford.