WORLD

Galaxy of stars won’t be going to Russia but what a team they’d be ALAN MARSHALL

ITALY’s Gianluigi Buffon became the latest big name to miss out on next summer’s World Cup when they lost their play-off against Sweden.

Gareth Bale and Alexis Sanchez were among those whose absence was already confirmed. So here, Record Sport picks an all-star 11 from those not going to Russia. GIANLUIGI BUFFON (ITALY/ JUVENTUS)

Considered the finest keeper in history, the 39-year-old, who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, retired from international football after their 1-0 aggregate defeat by Sweden. ANTONIO VALENCIA (ECUADOR/ MANCHESTER UNITED)

A string of consistent displays at right-back led to Valencia being named Players’ Player of the Year at Old Trafford last season but the 32-year-old could not inspire Ecuador to the World Cup. LEONARDO BONUCCI (ITALY/AC MILAN)

An already difficult season for the classy 30-year-old central defender was worsened by Italy’s defeat. GIORGIO CHIELLINI (ITALY/ JUVENTUS)

Another of Italy’s decorated World Cup winners could also announce his retirement in the coming days. DAVID ALABA (AUSTRIA/BAYERN MUNICH)

A winner of six Bundesliga titles and the Champions League, Alaba’s international career has been less illustrious. DANIELE DE ROSSI (ITALY/ROMA)

De Rossi has joined Buffon and Andrea Barzagli in announcing his international retirement, ensuring Italy have lost some experienced heads between them. ARTURO VIDAL (CHILE/BAYERN MUNICH)

The key midfielder, who starred in the last two World Cups, was suspended for Chile’s final qualifier against Brazil and watched on from Munich as his team were eliminated. GARETH BALE (WALES/REAL MADRID)

It has been a good few years for Wales but the Euro 2016 semi-finalists were pipped to a play-off spot by the Republic of Ireland. ARJEN ROBBEN (HOLLAND/ BAYERN MUNICH)

Robben announced his retirement from international football shortly after scoring twice against Sweden in the final match of Holland’s poor qualification campaign. ALEXIS SANCHEZ (CHILE/ ARSENAL)

Chile suffered last-minute heartbreak as they were pushed out of a play-off place when Peru equalised against Colombia. PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG (GABON/BORUSSIA DORTMUND)

Gabon have never qualified for the World Cup. Talented forward Aubameyang may never have the opportunity to play at one. SUBS: Virgil van Dijk (Holland/Southampton), Naby Keita (Guinea/RB Leipzig), Marek Hamsik (Slovakia/Napoli), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Armenia/Manchester United), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria/Leicester), Edin Dzeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina/Roma)