'You have to mute it!' - Kyle Walker opens up on awkward England group chats where rejected players don't get kicked

The long-standing tradition of managers phoning new additions to their ranks remains in place, with star turns around the world considering that discussion to be a high point in their respective careers.

In the case of England, those that are called upon to represent their country are added to a WhatsApp group. Friendly banter can be exchanged between those lucky enough to pull on the famous Three Lions shirt.

Said chat is, however, not updated for each passing fixture. That means those overlooked by their national team boss - with Thomas Tuchel currently calling the shots with England - can find themselves on the outside looking in.

Veteran defender Walker is still being selected at present and has told his BBC podcast: "There is a group chat and normally they will message you individually - just saying that you made it. Then you will see people getting added into that group chat that have not been in before."

The Manchester City-owned full-back, who has seen a difficult loan spell at AC Milan come to a close, added when asked if the member list in England’s WhatsApp group is updated in every international window: "No, no, you stay in. But you kind of have to mute it because you're a little bit disheartened!"

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, City playmaker Phil Foden and West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen are among those to have been omitted from the latest England squad - with the latter making the most of an unexpected break in his schedule to tie the knot with ex-Love Island contestant Dani Dyer.