England manager Gareth Southgate recently announced his international squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign against San Marino, Albania and Poland.
While the England manager has given opportunities several young players in his 26 -man squad, there are a few baffling absentees.
The likes of Jordan Pickford, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harvey Barnes, James Maddison, Ezri Konsa and Patrick Bamford have all been left out despite being key players for their respective clubs.
The exclusion of Barnes, Bamford and Konsa are particularly baffling because all three players have been outstanding in the Premier League this season and they deserve to be called up to the national team.
The likes of Jordan Henderson and Jack Grealish have missed out due to injury problems.
Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad
Goalkeepers
Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Nick Pope
Defenders
Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Jesse Lingard, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Ollie Watkins