Estêvão Willian appeared close to a place in the Brazil squad before suffering a serious hamstring tendon injury in April. His first season at Chelsea, featuring 12 goal involvements in 36 matches, had strengthened his case.
Lennart Karl was even closer. The Germany midfielder had been called up before a thigh problem forced him out, with Assan Ouedraogo taking his place. His form for Bayern Munich had made him one of the country’s most exciting young options.
Julian Nagelsmann said he “adoraria tê-lo no time” and praised Karl’s “atitude despreocupada, criatividade, velocidade e personalidade”.
Cole Palmer missed out for England after a difficult season at Chelsea, disrupted by injury and a drop in output. Thomas Tuchel said his performances for the national team “não foi excepcional”, though the manager still acknowledged Palmer’s talent and ability to decide major moments.
For Franco Mastantuono, the issue was competition. The Argentina youngster was left out when the preliminary group was reduced from 55 players to 26. His early spell at Real Madrid offered encouragement, even though his minutes reportedly declined after Xabi Alonso’s departure.
Max Dowman is the long-term project. The Arsenal teenager became the youngest Premier League goalscorer last season and made 13 senior appearances. He will be 20 in 2030, giving England ample time to build him into a major international figure.
The next four years will test all five players differently. Their club development, fitness and national-team competition will decide whether disappointment becomes the beginning of a World Cup story rather than its end.