MARC GUEHI has been named in England’s squad by Gareth Southgate for the very first time – but there was no place for Marcus Rashford.
And his Manchester United team-mate Jadon Sancho and Man City defender Kyle Walker also miss out.
The Three Lions boss has named his latest squad for the upcoming clashes with Switzerland and Ivoy Coast as he begins preparations for the World Cup in Qatar.
National treasure Rashford, who was abused by supporters outside Old Trafford this week, has paid the price for an under-par campaign that has seen him score just five goals.
Discussing the forward’s omission, Southgate said: “He is in the same position as everyone else, whether they are in the squad or not.
“They’ve all got to play well towards the end of this season and in particular at the beginning of next season.
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“It is a difficult time for him, he’s clearly not at his best, but there is plenty of time.
“We know what Marcus can bring and hopefully he can rediscover the form he’s capable of.”
His United pal Sancho has enjoyed a revival of late with the Red Devils, but that has still not been enough to convince Southgate.
He explained: “You just have to look at the other attacking players in the squad; Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Phil Foden.
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“Jadon’s performances have improved at Manchester United, but it is an area where we have big competition for places.”
Full-back Walker has been in and out of City’s team after his Champions League red card in December.
But Southgate often rotates his right-back options and has opted for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Chelsea’s Reece James this time, despite Kieran Trippier’s injury, along with Guehi.
The Crystal Palace star, 21, has been handed his first senior international call up for the upcoming friendlies after impressing since moving to Selhurst Park from Chelsea last summer.
Guehi, who has 16 caps for England U21s, has become a mainstay in Patrick Vieira’s side and will now be hoping to try and seal a place in Qatar this winter.
With regards to Walker, Southgate said: “With Kyle I had a long chat with him and felt this was an opportunity to look at the younger full backs.
“He will be back with us in June. We are very happy with what he has done.”
One man who some may feel is fortunate to be involved is Harry Maguire.
The Man Utd captain has come under heavy criticism this season over his displays for the Red Devils, but Southgate is adamant that he never considered dropping the centre-half.
He said: “I don’t think it ever crossed our mind not to select Harry Maguire. He was part of a starting XI that got us to a World Cup semi-final and a European final.
“I know the club is going through a difficult time and you have to look at who your best players are and he is in that group.
“Form is temporary. He is one of our best centre backs. Harry is over 40 caps and a consistent strong performer.”
They first face the Swiss on Saturday 26 March before taking on the African nation three days’ later.
The camp will be a vital one for Southgate as it is one of just three before the team heads to the Middle East in November.