There were surprise call-ups for midfielder Adam Wharton – with four Crystal Palace players included – along with Liverpool centre-half Jarell Quansah. Also selected are the uncapped Curtis Jones, Jarrad Branthwaite and goalkeeper James Trafford, but Ben Chilwell was left out to leave injured Luke Shaw as the only natural left-back option.

The main talking point, of course, was not selecting Rashford or Henderson who have been crucial to Southgate’s squads since he took over in 2016.

“With Marcus, I just feel other players in that area of the pitch have had better seasons. It’s as simple as that,” Southgate said before explaining his reasoning: “OK, ‘is this a fair call, is this the right call for the group’? But you are conscious for Marcus and Hendo really of the impact because they are two people who externally, they have people jump on them very quickly.

“And I think they know I am there to support them. Even though this has been a difficult conversation, both were really professional, really respectful. But, of course, I am aware that that creates a bit more drama in their lives which I don’t want them to experience but is a reality of the decision I’ve made.”

Rashford has paid the price for his poor form at Manchester United with the writing on the wall after he only played 15 minutes in the last two England games – the friendlies at home to Brazil and Belgium.

Southgate revealed he had spoken to the 26-year-old about his struggles. “I did talk a bit with him in March about his season,” he said. “Others who have been playing very well in that area of the pitch and so, look, he will be hugely disappointed. He wants to play for England, he loves playing for England and the opportunity to play in tournaments is why you play international football. But again he was really respectful. I said to him: ‘You’ve got to go and score a couple of goals at the weekend (in the FA Cup Final) now and put things right.”

Southgate also explained his decision to leave out Henderson who has struggled badly ever since he decided to join the Saudi Pro-League last summer before quitting and moving to Ajax in January.