Reece James has confirmed on Wednesday that he will not be part of Gareth Southgate's England squad for the World Cup in Qatar later this month because of a knee injury.
The defender began jogging this week but it is believed that Southgate felt it was too big a risk to name him in his 26-man squad, which is announced on Thursday.
He had started the Three Lions' last four matches and was a considered certainty for Southgate's starting XI in Qatar until he suffered the injury.
James wrote on Twitter on Wednesday: “Devastated. The minute I injured my knee, I knew the turnaround to make the World Cup would be tight, but I always felt it was possible.
“I’ve worked harder than I ever thought I could to give myself the best chance of going and truly believed I could help the team.
“I appreciate there was risk on both sides but it was one I was willing to take. Good luck to the boys. I’ll be back soon. Stay safe and sending love.”
After looking one of England’s positions of real strength, the right-back berth has suddenly became a problem with Kyle Walker also out injured.
The Manchester City defender had groin surgery at the start of October, but said last month he was “confident” of being fit for Qatar.
However, City manager Pep Guardiola said last week that Walker, 32, would not play for the club before the tournament starts.
There was another scare for England manager Gareth Southgate at the weekend when Newcastle United full-back Kieran Tripper pulled up with holding him hamstring just before half-time in the Magpies’ victory at Southampton on Sunday.
But the Newcastle captain, and likely starter for England with James now out, was able to continue and manager Eddie Howe said on Monday that were “no problems” with the 32-year-old.