"?Newcastle United legend and former England captain Alan Shearer believes that Magpies winger Andros Townsend could have offered 'something different' at Euro 2016, and feels that reputations have once again but put ahead of form with regard to the squad as a whole.
Townsend was one of the unlucky few who didn't make the final cut, along with Leicester City's title winning midfielder Danny Drinkwater and the injured Fabian Delph, who many feel was lucky to be named in the provisional squad in the first place.
"I hope Roy does not live to regret it," Shearer told bookmaker Coral on the subject of Townsend's absence in France.
"I admire his loyalty but I also feel that Andros Townsend could have offered them something different to what they have gone with."
The former Tottenham man, who joined Newcastle for £12m in January, was unable to prevent his new club from succumbing to Premier League relegation. However, his individual form was still promising and he actually scored more goals in four months for Newcastle than he ever did for Spurs.
"He's been the one shining light for Newcastle at the back end of the season, even though they were relegated," Shearer added. "We have regretted taking players who weren't fully fit before, so I thought we would have learnt from previous mistakes."
On the subject of Drinkwater missing out while the likes of Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge were selected, Shearer also said, "Once again I think we have gone for reputation rather than fitness and form. It's a big gamble from Roy to take two injury-prone players and another player who has been injured in Jordan Henderson.
"Jack Wilshere has not shown anything in the two friendlies he has played recently, while Daniel Sturridge has been injured for the last couple of weeks.
"Drinkwater has had a magnificent season for Leicester, would have been full of confidence after their title win, and I do not think he deserves to be left out."
To continue the discussion on Twitter follow @jamiespencer155
Visit www.facebook.com/jamiespencer155
"?"?