Many of the usual suspects were also involved, with Palmer expected to play a big part in England's upcoming games after scoring in the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. Foden was also a prominent figure at the Euros, while Watkins scored a 90th-minute winner against the Netherlands in the semi-finals.

England Football confirmed their omission via an official statement on Tuesday evening, part of which read: "The Three Lions squad reported to St. George’s Park on Tuesday but, following assessment, both Palmer and Watkins returned to their clubs to continue rehabilitation for ongoing issues. Foden did not report through illness and is ruled out of the matches against Republic of Ireland and Finland."

Carsley is not planning to call up replacements for any of the trio ahead of this weekend's Ireland showdown.

Foden was expected to be left out of the matches after City boss Pep Guardiola admitted that illness was still troubling the playmaker. He did not travel to London for the reigning Premier League champions' win over West Ham on Saturday.

Palmer and Watkins' withdrawals are more surprising given they both featured at the weekend. Palmer played the full 90 minutes of Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, and Watkins started Villa's 2-1 win over Leicester.

Many England regulars are yet to get back up to speed at club level following their deep Euro 2024 run with England. Of the back-four which started the final; Kyle Walker and John Stones have hardly played any Premier League football since the season started, while Luke Shaw has not played at all.

Jude Bellingham has also been feeling the effects of his gruelling schedule, with the Real Madrid star admitting 'my body is telling me I need a rest' after suffering an injury which is set to keep him on the sidelines for several more weeks.