Gareth Southgate has revealed Ruben Loftus-Cheek would have been included in England's Nations League squad had he not suffered an injury to his Achilles on Thursday.
The 23-year-old has been superb form for Chelsea this season scoring 10 goals in all competitions - the most of any English midfielder - despite making only 13 starts.
However, the Blues midfielder was dealt a hammer blow when he suffered a suspected ruptured Achilles while playing in a post-season friendly against New England Revolution. Standard Sport understands he faces several months out, almost certainly ending his chances of travelling to Portugal with the squad.
Southgate is a known admirer of Loftus-Cheek, including him in his 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia last summer, and rued the "very unfortunate" timing of his injury.
"Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek would definitely have been in this squad, so it's very unfortunate for both of them that they've sustained injuries that could keep them out for some time," Southgate told reporters.
"We're waiting on full confirmation on Ruben."
Asked to elaborate on Loftus-Cheek's place in the squad, Southgate said he had been impressed with how he had performed under Maurizio Sarri in the second half of the season.
"I went to bed last night and Ruben was in the squad and playing brilliantly. It's a huge disappointment for him missing a major European final and a brilliant opportunity with us," he added.
"In particular, he's really come on in the last few months and looked strong, and playing with a lot of confidence. So I'm really disappointed for him."
