Roberto Martinez left out midfielder Radja Nainggolan from Belgium World Cup squad in what has been referred to as a shock.
The Roma ace, 30, has been a big player for Belgium after a slow start to his international career, which saw him miss the 2014 tournament.
He will have expected to make the cut after helping his club side into the Champions League semi-finals.
But Martinez – who takes on England in Group G – does not want the 29-cap ace in his 28-man preliminary group
🗒️Our #WorldCup squad list !
Final 23 ➡️ 04/06#REDTOGETHER 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/nxOLAv28MS— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) May 21, 2018
Fan favourite Nainggolan scored a stunning long-range effort in Belgium’s 3-1 defeat to Wales at Euro 2016.
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But he will have to hope for injuries to represent his country in Russia after falling out of favour with the current boss.
“Nainggolan is a top player. The reason is tactical. In the last two years the team has worked in a specific manner. Other players had those roles.” Martinez said.
“We know that Nainggolan has a very important role in his club and we cannot give him that role in our squad.”
Manchester City duo Kevin de Bruyne and Vincent Kompany, Chelsea forward Eden Hazard and Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku all make the squad.
There had been doubts over a place for Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke but he has made the initial squad, along with Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi.
Batshuayi went on loan to German side Borussia Dortmund in January, but suffered an ankle ligament injury in April.
Liverpool forward Divock Origi – who spent the season on loan at Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga – and Everton winger Kevin Mirallas, who joined Greek side Olympiakos on loan in January, both miss out.
“Every player in the squad has got a different level of fatigue. That is why we will start the preparation with 28 players,” added Martinez.
