England manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that it was "very difficult" to cut three players from his Euro 2016 squad.
The 68-year-old opted to send Andros Townsend, Danny Drinkwater and injured Fabian Delph home ahead of the tournament, which begins in France next week.
Hodgson went for an attacking side having selected five strikers, including 18-year-old Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who made his international debut five days ago.
When asked about axing the trio, Hodgson said in a press conference: "It was a very difficult decision. For a long period of time we've not had an enormous amount of choice.
"Suddenly we do have a lot of players to pick from and it was a tough decision. I was very happy with the 26, and delighted with the way the three who didn't get selected worked.
"Yesterday was a difficult day for me. In some ways I'm satisfied I've got the 23 I want to take and we can settle down and focus on the job ahead."
England's first group game will be against Russia on June 11.
Danielle Joynson
