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World Cup rejection XI: 11 players axed from their national teams

By Daniel Mercieca

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal reacts following a missed chance during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on February 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal reacts following a missed chance during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on February 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 14: Marcos Alonso of Chelsea takes on Sergi Roberto, Paulinho and Ivan Rakitic of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC at Camp Nou on March 14, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 14: Marcos Alonso of Chelsea takes on Sergi Roberto, Paulinho and Ivan Rakitic of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC at Camp Nou on March 14, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Left back – Marcos Alonso

A fundamental part of Antonio Conte’s wing-back revelation, Marcos Alonso defied the critics when he was involved in Chelsea’s superb title win of 2016/17.

It seems Spain manager Julen Lopetegui has a vendetta against Premier League players, though, as Pedro, Alvaro Morata, Hector Bellerin and Cesc Fabregas have also been left out.

Technical genius David Silva and stalwart stopper David de Gea were obvious picks, however the subtler of the Premier League stars have been omitted by Lopetegui.

Right back – Sergi Roberto

An iconic goal against PSG in the Champions League last term saw the star of Sergi Roberto rise with vigour.

It seems to have faded, however, and there was no room for the full back despite consistent performances for Barcelona in their comprehensive championship triumph.

Roberto might have cast his eye over this tournament as his first in Spain colours, but the youngster will have to wait for his chance.

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