Reece James has been left out of Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad after the England boss made a personal fitness check on his walking wounded.

Southgate has already finalized his 26-man squad for Qatar with 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.

He is set to step up his rehabilitation programme in the coming days, adding more turns to his running which will test out his injured knee.

But Southgate's doubts over James’ availability for the tournament proved to be the telling factor, even though the player believed he could feature in the latter stages.

Walker and Phillips have declared themselves fit for selection, in what arrives as a big boost to Southgate.

Indeed, Phillips could make his return from shoulder surgery in Wednesday night's EFL Cup game against Chelsea.

However, Sports mail understands that this week’s cup ties will have little or no bearing on Southgate’s final squad selection as he has already finalized his travelling party for Qatar.

Phillips has played just 14 minutes of football so far this season.

Walker is also available for selection after making a miraculous recovery from groin surgery that has amazed Manchester City medics.