England announced their 23-man squad to take to the world cup today, revealing some big players who will miss out on the tournament. News of the snubbing of Jack Wilshere and Joe Hart broke the day before the announcement, with BBC Sport reporting that a lack of playing time and poor form over the last two years being slated as the respective reasons behind their absence.

With an allowance of just 23 players, there were always going to be a few missing out who perhaps deserved to be on the plane, but there are three absences in particular who have stoked a response from England fans across social media.

Adam Lallana

One of the more technically gifted players in England's pool, Lallana's omission from the squad has put under-question Gareth Southgate's desire to build a team that can dominate the ball. The fact that the manager overlooked Lallana isn't entirely surprising - he has missed virtually the entirety of the last campaign with long-term injury worries, only making his return in a 15-minute cameo on the final day of Liverpool's season.

Wilshere isn't in the squad due to concerns over his fitness and susceptibility to injury, and Lallana appears to be out for the same reason, so at least Southgate is being consistent with his reasoning on this one. Still, his ability would probably make him a starter for the Three Lions, resulting in many voicing their displeasure about his absence.

Jonjo Shelvey

After a shaky start to life back in the Premier League, the midfielder has been magnificent for Newcastle in the last six months.

His upturn in form was epitomised by his man-of-the-match performance in the Magpies' excellent 3-0 victory over Chelsea on the final day - his direct play and willingness to pass forwards instead of simply retaining possession was the key behind their demolition of Antonio Conte's Blues. Craig Johns of the Newcastle Chronicle described Shelvey as "exactly what (England) needs."

His absence is likely due to worries over his temperament, as he has been known to lose his head in pressurised situations and has a reputation for a lack of discipline.

This was typified early-on in the season when he was called an 'absolute clown' by Graham Souness.

His impressive form, however, has coincided with an improvement in his disciplinary record - he hasn't picked up a card of any colour in the Premier League since December, showing that when he keeps his head down and reigns-in his temper, he can be a top-quality player. Crucially, however, it hasn't been enough to convince Southgate to take him to Russia, leaving a lot of people bemused with that decision.

Chris Smalling

The defender has had a good season for Manchester United, acting as an integral part of the Red Devils' back line.

José Mourinho's side has the second-best defensive record in the Premier League this season with Smalling contributing to United's often-unimpeachable defence, but while he misses out, his defensive partner Phil Jones will be travelling.

His omission affords Gary Cahill a spot in Southgate's squad, a 32-year old who has been less consistent in a hit-and-miss Chelsea team and looks to be entering his twilight years as a player. Both players had missed-out on the most recent round of international friendlies, but the Chelsea man has forced his way back into Southgate's plans ahead of Smalling.

Cahill's inclusion over Smalling has not gone down well with fans at all, with many wondering why the latter's involvement with such a strong defence this season has not ensured him a seat on the plane.
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