Theo Walcott was the shock casualty as England coach Fabio Capello named his final 23-man squad for the World Cup yesterday.
Walcott was widely expected to be on the England team's flight to South Africa today after the Arsenal winger played a significant role in the qualifying campaign, but Capello has decided Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips and Tottenham's Aaron Lennon represent better options on the flanks.
Also receiving the unwanted call from Capello to hear they had been left out were Everton left-back Leighton Baines, Manchester City winger Adam Johnson, West Ham midfielder Scott Parker, Tottenham centre-back Michael Dawson, Sunderland striker Darren Bent and Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone.
Walcott was clearly shocked by his absence from the squad and said: "I am very disappointed not to be included in the squad going out to South Africa, but completely respect Mr Capello's decision.
"I would like to wish the team the best of luck and hope they have a really successful tournament."
It is the second time Walcott has been involved in a controversial World Cup selection after his surprise inclusion in Sven Goran Eriksson's squad for the 2006 tournament.
Eriksson's gamble to include the teenager, even though he had yet to make his Premier League debut for Arsenal, failed to pay off as he didn't make a single appearance.
The 21-year-old displayed flashes of his electric pace in last week's friendly win over Mexico, but he was less impressive in Sunday's victory against Japan and failed to convince Capello.