Patrick Bamford has had further salt rubbed in his wounds after Marcus Rashford was ruled out of England's World Cup qualifier against San Marino.
The Leeds United striker was absent from Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad for the upcoming triple-header, which starts against the European minnows tonight.
Despite scoring 14 Premier League goals this season, Ollie Watkins was preferred to Bamford, as was Harry Kane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
"(Bamford was) very close," Southgate told Sky Sports . "There's a number of positions in this squad that have been really close calls and we felt we wanted an extra striker.
"We're really pleased with Harry (Kane) and (Dominic) Calvert-Lewin and what they've done. Tammy Abraham hasn't really been involved for Chelsea over the last four to six weeks.
"Ollie and Patrick in particular, their goals record has been good. We like the personalities of both. Ollie is a player we've had less interaction with in the past. It's going to be good to get to know him.
"We like his pressing, speed and the runs in behind. He's got some improvement to make in linking the game, but in his first season in the Premier League at a big club, he's done exceptionally well.
"That's been a really close call because all the things I've said about Ollie I could have said for Patrick as well. So he's very unfortunate."
For Bamford, the decision cuts deeper as Rashford has now been ruled out of England's opening match against San Marino after arriving for England duty injured.
The Manchester United forward has nursed various problems over the last fortnight and this latest set-back comes as little surprise given his recent issues.
Despite his fitness doubts, a half-fit Rashford was still selected over Bamford, which will only further frustrate Leeds' number nine.
Should Rashford miss the international break altogether, Southgate could call-up a replacement and Bamford would be the most likely recipient.
Bukayo Saka will also miss the match with a hamstring problem, while Manchester City defender Kyle Walker is not named in the 23-man squad.
