Gareth Southgate explained that he never considered Raheem Sterling for England's squad at the European Under-21 Championship because of his regular commitments with the senior team.
Liverpool forward Sterling was eligible for selection, as were the likes of Everton's Ross Barkley and Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
"No we never thought about that. Raheem played before last summer for us and we feel he's been a regular first-choice pick for the senior team," Southgate said.
"This squad I've worked very closely with Roy on. We've talked about what is right for each player, what is the right experience," he added.
"Clearly there's a couple of players here he could have taken with him in June but he wants to look long term at what's better for the youngsters to come into his squad and that's been really refreshing."
Luke Shaw is also a notable omission from Southgate's 27-man party, with the Manchester United full-back not fit enough to join the squad.
"I've spoken with Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal," Southgate added. "Medically he is not going to be fit. We were always going to lose someone to fitness and, hopefully, he will be the only one."
