Harry Maguire and Fikayo Tomori are among the central defensive options to be left out of England’s World Cup squad.
Both players were named in Thomas Tuchel’s previous squad, for the friendlies against Japan and Uruguay, but will not make the plane to North America.
In a post on Instagram, Maguire confirmed: “I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I wish the players all the best.”
Maguire’s Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw is also set to miss out despite his impressive season.
Shaw was named in Tuchel’s 55-man provisional squad and there has been a clamour for his inclusion.
But, with Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly in line to be called-up, Shaw is expected to miss out.
Arsenal winger Noni Madueke is expected to make the final 26-man squad, joining team-mates Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.
Tuchel is set to name his squad on Friday for the World Cup, which starts on 11 June.