Gareth Southgate has shared his disappointment at losing Emile Smith Rowe to injury, admitting they were looking at him for the World Cup.

Gareth Southgate named his England squad for the World Cup on Thursday, and the news was largely positive for Arsenal players.

Ben White joined Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale in receiving a call-up, but there was a sense of “what might have been” with Emile Smith Rowe.

Speaking in his post-squad-announcement press conference, Gareth Southgate reflected on the changes he’d made from the Euro 2020 squad, admitting he might even have made another change or two if not for injuries.

“We’ve looked at one or two others, there was a period where Emile Smith Rowe had a go and was playing really well,” Southgate said.

“We’ve sadly lost him (to injury). Obviously, we’ve lost Reece (James), but Reece was with us in the Euros. And Ben (Chilwell).”

For Smith Rowe to get a mention alongside other players like James and Chilwell, who surely would have been called up if they were fit, suggests he would have had a genuine shot at joining his three Arsenal teammates at the World Cup if not for injury.

It’s certainly a shame for the youngster, but he has plenty of international tournaments ahead of him.

Injuries will hurt you sometimes, but they’ll also work in your favour in others.

Perhaps Ben White wouldn’t be on the plane to Qatar if not for all of the fitness setbacks for England full-backs lately. Maybe Gabriel Martinelli wouldn’t have made the Brazil squad if he’d been sharing club minutes with Smith Rowe.

If Smith Rowe can focus on bouncing back in the same vein of form as before his injury, there’s no reason he can’t be involved with England in the future.

Maybe next time he’ll be the one to get a lucky break.