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Rejects XI

World Cup 2018: Leroy Sane, Radja Nainggolan and other shock names making up the Rejects XI

The list of players being left at home for Russia 2018 would make up a solid team in their own right - and the subs are pretty handy too

LEROY SANE, Radja Nainggolan and Karim Benzema are among the big names given shock snubs from their country's final 23-man squads for the World Cup.

And from the list we've drawn up even the substitutes would have a shout with most countries.

 SunSport's Reject XI
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SunSport's Reject XI

Premier League winner Sane, 22, impressed for Manchester City this season but Die Mannschaft boss Joachim Low found no place for him in his title-defending side.

That is despite the tricky winger being involved in 33 goals last season - more than any other German player across Europe's top five leagues.

Belgium couldn't find room for Nainggolan to fit into their midfield - but Eden Hazard and brother Thorgan got in.

Here, SunSport looks at the big names who make up our Rejects XI.

Joe Hart - England

 Gareth Southgate snubbed Joe Hart
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Gareth Southgate snubbed Joe HartCredit: Rex Features

Former England No 1 has endured a tough season at West Ham and did not show enough promise after several setbacks to convince Gareth Southgate he deserves to go.

Hector Bellerin - Spain

 Hector Bellerin has not made the Spain squad
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Hector Bellerin has not made the Spain squadCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

If ever there is a tough side to get in to, then it is Spain's.

But after a disappointing season at turbulent Arsenal, Bellerin's snub had to be expected after he did not play under boss Julen Lopetegui.

David Luiz - Brazil

 David Luiz will not get the chance to exorcise his World Cup demons
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David Luiz will not get the chance to exorcise his World Cup demonsCredit: Rex Features
David Luiz has his ‘Sideshow Bob’ hair being eaten by a giraffe on madcap Dubai holiday

Who can forget the Chelsea man's tears on the pitch after the 7-1 hammering at the hands of Germany in 2014?

At 31, it looks unlikely Luiz will ever get the chance to put right that horror show - but at least he is having a nice holiday.

Chris Smalling - England

 Chris Smalling has not done enough for a Three Lions spot
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Chris Smalling has not done enough for a Three Lions spotCredit: REUTERS

Three Lions chief Southgate believes he has better options among his ball-playing centre-backs and that's why Manchester United star Smalling was snubbed.

Marcos Alonso - Spain

 The Chelsea full-back will not be representing Spain in Russia
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The Chelsea full-back will not be representing Spain in RussiaCredit: REUTERS

The second Chelsea player not to make the Spain grade this time round - and somewhat surprising given his seven goals in 33 league starts.

Arsenal's Nacho Monreal got the nod instead.

Anthony Martial - France

 Anthony Martial will not be pulling on the French jersey at the World Cup
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Anthony Martial will not be pulling on the French jersey at the World CupCredit: Getty

Man Utd winger will only appear in Russia if injury strikes Didier Deschamps' forwards, after being urged to "give more" by David Ginola.

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Cesc Fabregas - Spain

 Cesc Fabregas has done it all with Spain... except make this year's World Cup squad
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Cesc Fabregas has done it all with Spain... except make this year's World Cup squadCredit: PA:Press Association

Turns out a World Cup, two European Championships and a place in Spain's golden generation is not enough to warrant a return for the Chelsea playmaker.

Radja Nainggolan - Belgium

 Roberto Martinez did not include Radja Nainggolan in his Belgium side
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Roberto Martinez did not include Radja Nainggolan in his Belgium sideCredit: AFP

Produce stunning comeback to beat Barcelona. Done. Score against eventual Champions League runners-up Liverpool. Check. Deserve a place in the World Cup squad. Probably. But it was not to be.

Leroy Sane - Germany

 Leroy Sane will not have his name up in lights at the World Cup
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Leroy Sane will not have his name up in lights at the World CupCredit: Reuters

Low opted for the likes of Julian Brandt and Sebastian Rudy instead of Sane - who, by the way, was the PFA Young Player of the year.

PFA Young Player of the year Leroy Sane has been left out of Germany’s World Cup Squad

Alvaro Morata - Spain

 A disappointing season means Alvaro Morata will not play for Spain
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A disappointing season means Alvaro Morata will not play for SpainCredit: Getty

This one was perhaps expected but it still raises eyebrows when a man with such pedigree (Juventus, Real Madrid, Chelsea) is snubbed. That's what an indifferent season with the Blues will do for you.

Karim Benzema - France

 He just won his third straight Champions League title but Karim Benzema will not get the chance to lift the World Cup in Russia
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He just won his third straight Champions League title but Karim Benzema will not get the chance to lift the World Cup in RussiaCredit: Getty Images

Real Madrid striker's exclusion from the national side began to his alleged involvement in a sex tape blackmail scandal dating back to 2015.

Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe will look to fire Les Bleus to glory - but how they would love a truly proven winner among their ranks.

And the subs...

Barcelona star Andre Gomes has not really been given a chance to shine at the Nou Camp and he misses out along with club and international team-mate Nelson Semedo.

Mauro Icardi is captain of Inter Milan but failed to make the Argentina side. Former West Ham man Dimitri Payet saw his hopes dashed when he got injured in Marseille's Europa League final defeat to Atletico Madrid.

 Dimitri Payet's World Cup hopes were dashed in the Europa League final when he went off injured
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Dimitri Payet's World Cup hopes were dashed in the Europa League final when he went off injuredCredit: REUTERS

Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette has not been included in the France squad and keeper Bernd Leno was snubbed by Germany, like Juve's Alex Sandro by Brazil.

There was no room for Nicklas Bendtner in the Denmark side thanks to a groin injury and Liverpool's Fabinho was not picked by Selecao boss Tite.

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