Roberto De Zerbi "sorry" for Brighton players omitted from England World Cup squad

The England manager announced the 26 players he would be taking to Qatar to represent the Three Lions, with neither Welbeck or Dunk named, despite both being reported to be named on the initial 55-man list.

Leicester midfielder James Maddison has been included, alongside Newcastle striker Callum Wilson and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.

The 32 nations competing at the first ever winter FIFA World Cup have until November 14 to name their squads for the finals, which begin next Sunday, November 20.

So far, three Brighton players – Kaoru Mitoma (Japan), Leandro Trossard (Belguim), Robert Sánchez (Spain) – have been announced in their national squads.

Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina), Tariq Lamptey (Ghana) and the Ecuadorian trio of Moises Caicedo, Pervis Estupinan and Jeremy Sarmiento are all expected to be named before Monday's deadline.

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De Zerbi said he was happy for all his players going to the World Cup, before offering his condolences to Dunk and Welbeck.

The Brighton manager said: "I am happy for our players going to the World Cup. It's the most important competition.

"It's an honour for us to have players there. I'm sorry for Dunk and Welbeck, but me, the fans and the club should be very happy for the others.

"I want our players to enjoy the World Cup, it's a dream to be there. I will watch almost every game, but am focused on Aston Villa now.”