Watford striker Troy Deeney has been overlooked by England manager Gareth Southgate in his 26-man squad for upcoming games with Lithuania and Germany.
With injuries to first-choice regulars Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and Harry Kane, it had appeared Deeney's form might be enough to earn a first call-up to Southgate's Three Lions squad.
But the 28-year-old's wait for a national bow remains on hold, despite a run of five goals in his last six games.
Southgate has picked only three recognised strikers in a squad heavily represented in midfield, with players including Raheem Sterling and Nathan Redmond able to operate in forward positions if required.
But Deeney's exclusion will come as a disappointment to the former Walsall man, who will be fortunate to make a better case for inclusion for his country once England's experienced forwards return.
England squad in full
Fraser Forster
Tom Heaton
Joe Hart
Nethanial Clyne
Kyle Walker
Phil Jones
Chris Smalling
Gary Cahill
Michael Keane
John Stones
Ryan Betrand
Luke Shaw
Dele Alli
Michail Antonio
Ross Barkley
Eric Dier
James Ward-Prowse
Jake Livermore
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Adam Lallana
Jesse Lingard
Nathan Redmond
Raheem Sterling
Jermain Defoe
Marcus Rashford
Jamie Vardy
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