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.
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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.
Alvaro Morata – Spain
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
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.
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.