Hull City boss Steve Bruce has urged England hopefuls Curtis Davies and Tom Huddlestone not to give up on their World Cup dream.
Both players were ignored by England coach Roy Hodgson for the looming friendly against Denmark.
"They've just got to stick at it, stay with it and, as I've said before, there's always a surprise," said Bruce.
"All they can do is keep playing and knocking on the door. It's difficult because England's got good players.
"Roy's the only one. He's the one who knows but I would have thought he'd have an open mind and there's still two months of the season left. Injuries play a part, we'll see.
"I'm sure they're in and around. I can only speak based on what I see, and Roy's got his job to do.
"It's all about opinions. You can only do your best and try to force your way into the squad.
"For Curtis and Tom to be even linked with it, they've got to stick with it and keep performing, then who knows?"
