England manager Gareth Southgate says Luke Ayling was unfortunate to miss out on his latest squad.

The Leeds United right-back was tipped to be named in his first England squad.

Southgate said: "There are some areas of the pitch where we've got incredible competition for places. Trent is very unfortunate. I don't think he's played to the level that he found in the last couple of years, but he's getting very close to that now.

"In the last few weeks, he's definitely taken steps in the right direction.

"It's simply that we think Reece James and Kieran Tripper have had exceptional seasons, really, with their clubs and Kyle Walker is in great form with Manchester City.

"We have got other players in the league who are also playing well in that position - Cash at Aston Villa and Ayling at Leeds. We have got two very good right-backs in the under-21s.

"It's a remarkable position of strength for us."