England boss Gareth Southgate has suggested that Chris Smalling's level of ability on the ball was the reason for his omission from the latest Three Lions squad.

Smalling was a notable absentee when Southgate announced his group of players for the friendly internationals with Germany and Brazil, but the centre-back has not been excluded because of his defensive performances for United this season.

The 47-year-old told reporters: "I have huge respect for Chris. He is a player playing at a big club.

"We want to play in a certain way and the players I have brought in I want to see using the ball from the back and building it up in a certain way."

Smalling has made 12 appearances for United since the start of the campaign, but the 27-year-old has not featured for England since June.