GARETH SOUTHGATE cribed it as "one of the most difficult parts of his job".
And it has left England with what even Southgate described as a "very different" looking squad with major question marks over experience, goals and a new-look dressing room dynamic.
There was no repeat of La Manga in 1998 when Paul Gascoigne wrecked Glenn Hoddle's hotel room after being cut from the World Cup squad.
But the calls on Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire to be left out were arguably more heart-rending because they have been such a big part of his reign as England manager.
James Maddison is another big personality who was axed, even if he is hardly a Three Lions regular.
But what is really striking about Southgate's selection is that this represents a revolution, because 13 players have been cut from the World Cup squad in Qatar just 18 months ago.
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