England's likely lads set for senior service
Half of England's World Cup squad are likely to be cast aside on Wednesday ahead of the Six Nations.
While retirements, injuries and ageing players past their best allow for a natural changing of the guard, this announcement was always likely to have a "new era" feel to it.
The four-yearly World Cup cycle inevitably leads to a sense of renewal in its aftermath. England's failed campaign only made the need for a fresh start more urgent.
The selection challenge facing Lancaster is two-fold. His mission statement when handed the job was to put foundations in place for England's future prosperity.