Chelsea fullback Reece James has been left out of England's World Cup squad.

England boss Gareth Southgate has made a personal fitness check on his injury doubts.

Southgate has already finalised his 26-man squad for Qatar with Manchester City pair Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips - who would in normal circumstances be selected in Thursday's squad - among the major doubts due to serious fitness concerns.

Southgate is believed to have personally spoken to the players whose selection have been thrown into doubt due to injury in the last few days.

James spoke to Southgate last week to update the England boss on his recovery from a knee injury.

Of the injured trio, James was furthest behind in his recovery. He has only just started running, and even then without intensity. The Chelsea defender is understood to be devastated by the decision, says the Daily Mail.