As per "?TheFA.com, "?England manager Roy Hodgson has stated that it was "a very tough decision" to drop two players from his provisional squad for Euro 2016, having confirmed the party he will take to the forthcoming tournament in France on Tuesday.
Leicester City's title-winning midfielder Danny Drinkwater and recently-relegated Newcastle United winger Andros Townsend were the two men who joined the injured Fabian Delph in being omitted from Hodgson's plans.
CONFIRMED: The #ThreeLions squad for #EURO2016.
23 players, #TogetherForEngland. pic.twitter.com/lpUwMo4HPk
18-year-old Manchester United starlet Marcus Rashford was probably the most notable inclusion on Hodgson's 23-man list, which also included Jack Wilshere, Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge, despite the injury concerns surrounding the trio.
Speaking at a press conference prior to England's final warm-up match against Portugal, before they begin their bid for European Championship glory against Russia in Marseille on June 11, Hodgson was keen to highlight what a difficult call he had to make, and also praise the attitude of the discarded duo.
Wayne Rooney to start against Portugal at Wembley #SSNHQ
"It was a very tough decision for me," Hodgson told the assembled media.
"I was very happy with the 26 and delighted with the way the three guys who didn't get selected for the 23 worked.
Yesterday was a difficult day for me, having to tell them that they wouldn't be in the final 23."
Disappointed not to make the final 23! Would of been a fantastic experience to go to the euros as a player... https://t.co/js2WM4qpHW
"?"?Hodgson went on to praise the reaction of both Drinkwater and Townsend, stating, "I must say the players were fantastic. They were unbelievably understanding of the need that I have to make a decision.
They made the job as easy for me as it could possibly be, but it was still a tough one."
Obviously gutted to fall at the final hurdle but wishing the boys all the best of luck at Euro 2016 #ComeOnEngland
There has been much conjecture over Hodgson's selections. While neither of the discarded pair played any part in England's perfect qualification campaign, and the former Fulham manager is fully entitled to remain loyal to players who have performed well for him in the past, off-form players such as Jordan Henderson and Ross Barkley must now justify their manager's faith in them over in France.
Absolutely gutted for @andros_townsend and @DannyDrinkwater. Let's hope the players he's shown faith in deliver. They owe it to you too ?
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