England boss Gareth Southgate: 'Chris Smalling dropped due to ability on ball'

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.