England manager Gareth Southgate has moved to explain Luke Ayling's omission from his international squad.
The 29-year-old, who has been one of the stand-out performers at Leeds United this season, had been tipped for a first call-up ahead of this month's World Cup qualifiers.
However, like Elland Road team-mate Patrick Bamford, the former Arsenal defender has missed out on Three Lions recognition this time around.
Upon announcing his 23-man squad to face minnows San Marino, Albania and Poland - in the space of six days - the England manager spoke at length about each of his selection decisions.
On the back of 13 goals this season, top-scorer Bamford missed out in favour of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Ayling, meanwhile, was pipped to the post at right-back by Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid) and Reece James (Chelsea), while Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold was also omitted in what the national team manager labelled as 'a position of strength'.
Speaking after confirming his latest England squad, Southgate said: "There are some areas of the pitch where we've got incredible competition for places. Trent is very unfortunate. I don't think he's played to the level that he found in the last couple of years, but he's getting very close to that now.
"In the last few weeks, he's definitely taken steps in the right direction.
"It's simply that we think Reece James and Kieran Tripper have had exceptional seasons, really, with their clubs and Kyle Walker is in great form with Manchester City.
"We have got other players in the league who are also playing well in that position - Cash at Aston Villa and Ayling at Leeds. We have got two very good right-backs in the under-21s.
"It's a remarkable position of strength for us."
