10 Notable Absentees From England’s World Cup Squad

Manchester United fans were confused by the news that one of their regular starting defenders wouldn't be on the plane to Russia. Smalling has, after all, played a part in United's second-place season, being a key cog in Jose Mourinho's solid defensive machine, and even contributing with 4 league goals, which is his best ever return.

Smalling helped England qualify for the World Cup and has long been regarded as a solid if unspectacular central defender for the Three Lions to rely on. Gareth Southgate, however, has a different opinion of the Red Devils man, openly saying that he respects Smalling as a player but doesn't believe that he fits in with the system he wants to play.

Southgate has put a lot of emphasis on playing out from the back, preferring to pick defenders who are a little more comfortable on the ball and capable of picking out passes like John Stones and Phil Jones. However, if the going gets tough and England find themselves playing one of the bigger teams, Smalling's solidity could be missed.