Since the Ryder Cup was altered to allow European players to compete in 1979, there has never been so few changes made to a team – on average, Europe make five in each two-year cycle.

“There is a lot of continuity from Rome, that is a bit unusual, but shows how good they are,” said Donald on Sky Sports.

“But while there is continuity, this is a different animal to play away in America. We know how difficult it is. I have looked at lots of different angles to try to prepare us for the challenge ahead.

“It is about implementing new techniques. I am aware we have lost three of the past four away Ryder Cups by significant margins.

“I have tried everything I can to give my team the best opportunity.”

While there has been much speculation in recent weeks as to who would receive a pick, players like Lowry, Rahm, Aberg and Hovland looked nailed-on for selection.

And Donald, who led the side to victory in Rome, accepted the run-in was tricky.

“The last two weeks are the most difficult part of a captain’s job,” he added.

“There are people who are jockeying for position and people who feel like they might have done enough, but then get a call to say they are not in the team and that is tough.”

Matt Wallace, who finished 12th on the rankings list, was in tears after finishing his final round at the European Masters on Sunday, knowing he was going to miss out.

“I’ll never give up on the Ryder Cup,” said the 35-year-old, who was overlooked for a place in 2018 too despite winning three events.

Fellow Englishman Marco Penge, who finished 14th on the list, was also touted to be in contention. His big-hitting game may have been suited to the length of Bethpage Black and the 27-year-old has won twice on the DP World Tour in 2025, climbing from outside the top 400 a year ago to world number 60.

But with Donald looking to cement his place alongside Europe’s Ryder Cup greats, he opted not to include any rookies in his selections.