England will begin their Six Nations campaign against Italy on February 3 with plenty of new names included in a squad shake-up.
Steve Borthwick's side disappointed in last year's tournament, winning just two of their five games. Twickenham supporters saw the Red Rose lose to Scotland and suffer a record defeat to France, who ran riot in south west London. A bronze medal at the World Cup in the autumn restored some pride.
There is however a demand for England to change their style and, after several high profile players opted to walk away from international rugby, a new era can begin. Here is a breakdown of the squad with plenty of new faces included with the likes of Henry Slade and Alex Dombrandt recalled.
Forwards
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 18 caps)
Ex-Scotland coach wants "immature" national anthem axed on eve of Six Nations
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 107 caps)
Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 41 caps)
Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, uncapped)
Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 5 caps)
Theo Dan (Saracens, 7 caps)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 15 caps)
Ben Earl (Saracens, 25 caps)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 58 caps)
Jamie George (Saracens, 85 caps) â captain
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Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)
Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 11 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 76 caps)
Joe Marler (Harlequins, 88 caps)
Beno Obano (Bath Rugby, 3 caps)
Tom Pearson (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 33 caps)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 30 caps)
Backs
Oscar Beard (Harlequins, uncapped)
Danny Care (Harlequins, 96 caps)
Elliot Daly (Saracens, 64 caps)
Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
George Ford (Sale Sharks, 91 caps)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)
Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 21 caps)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)
Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 57 caps)
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 30 caps)
Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 31 caps)
"I spoke with Owen yesterday and I think what's important is he makes a decision that is right for him and his family," said Borthwick.
"Do I want him at some point to come back - yes - but I want him to do what's right for him and his family so he can have the experiences he wants."
"They've played well, I know it is obvious. Sladey in particular has been a match winner for Exeter. He's gone to his club and been tremendous. He's been the guy who they've turned to.
"Dombrandt was disappointed, but I see a player who's played well this season."
He said on the uncapped star, who found out yesterday he was being included: "We spoke some weeks ago and I've been in regular contact with him and Rob Baxter.
"He's really impressed us, not just on the pitch, but he's a real mature guy. Starting his studies, playing for Wasps, move to Exeter and restart. A real sense of maturity."
He said: "It is a real positive step. I think English rugby has potentially turned a corner, I think we're all seeing that so far this season. To have the England captain commit his future to English rugby is a big step."
The England coach said: “Building on the foundations of what the England Team achieved in the Rugby World Cup, I have selected a squad that provides strong continuity and experience, whilst at the same time providing an opportunity to develop the talent of a number of new and less experienced players.
“I would particularly like to congratulate the new faces who have their first chance in an England squad, and very much look forward to seeing how that young talent can play an important part in ensuring that England continue to develop our game and move forward."
Steve Borthwick's squad will satisfy the masses.
One man who can perhaps feel hard done by is Joe Cokanasiga, who has been excellent since the World Cup for Bath on the wing.
His team-mate Alfie Barbeary would likely have been selected had he not been facing a ban for a red card at the weekend.
AlexDombrandt, like Slade, was a highlight omission from the World Cup but he is back in.
Alex Coles played last autumn when Eddie Jones was in charge but he's also been given another shot.
Ben Spencer has played for England before and his Bath form was too good to ignore.
George Furbank is another man to excel in the Premiership and, after being overlooked last year, is back in the mix.
Luke Cowan-Dickie is also in the squad as he looks to add to his 41 caps.
Chandler Cunningham-South is among the more surprising selections - as is his Harlequins team-mate Oscar Beard, who plays in thre back three.
Cunningham-South's physicality has been on shown this season following his move from London Irish.
Exeter pair Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and EthanRoots both get call-ups. Sale Sharks' impressive winger TomRoebuck is also included for the first time.
Northampton duo Finn Smith and Fraser Dingwall could also make their debuts.
“Last week Steve asked me to be captain for the upcoming Six Nations and I accepted with huge gratitude and enthusiasm.
“I love playing rugby for England. I hope that everyone has seen how much it means to me, I have never shied away from that. I am so excited about where this team can go and bringing the fans on that journey with us is something that I care about deeply.
“I believe I’m at the stage of my career where I can give my all to the captaincy and give my best on the pitch."
It is no shock, but Jamie George will captain England in the Six Nations.
Steve Borthwick said: “When I asked Jamie to be captain for this forthcoming series, I could sense his excitement and pride at being asked to lead his country. I am delighted that he has accepted the role.
“Jamie has been a respected leader in this group for a number of years now. With 85 England caps to his name, he is a quietly influential character who has an excellent tactical understanding and who sets high standards, whilst building strong relationships with the people around him.
"This, together with his previous experiences of captaining Saracens and The British & Irish Lions, leave him well-placed to lead the team.”
Introducing your England squad for the 2024 Guinness Men's Six Nations!
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England enjoyed a bit of a purple patch when they claimed the Six Nations title in 2016, 2017 and 2020. Their last Grand Slam came in 2016, which was Eddie Jones' first campaign.
Since then they've struggled to make an impact. Scotland have begun to enjoy some dominance over England whilst Ireland and France have gone on to a different level.
England are certainly not expected to claim glory, but time will tell.
Two into one doesn't go and it will be either George Ford or Marcus Smith to start at 10.
Smith is certainly more box office, but is yet to truly stamp his authority on the international scene, which is partly down to England's playing style.
Ford meanwhile is closing on 100 caps and has shown his quality on the international scene time and time again.
Borthwick's selection may offer a hint as to his gameplan, although both men are huge attacking weapons, just in different ways.
Slade has forged a reputation this season for stepping up in the biggest of moments.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man @Sladey_10 @ExeterChiefs | @ChampionsCup
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There were plenty of stalwarts who decided that enough was enough with England and, as their careers draw to a close, have chosen to focus on club matters, meaning they can't be selected.
Courtney Lawes, Ben Youngs, Jonny May and Mako Vunipola are all unavailable.
Lawes is perhaps the biggest blow with the Northampton star playing some of his best rugby for the Saints. He'd be a huge asset, but is content with his decision.
It has been a major talking point over the past 12 months with English players increasingly choosing to head to France to ply their trade.
Rules currently state that those who play outside of England cannot play for England. It means some of the country's brightest stars are unavailable.
Jack Willis was a huge hit at Wasps before moving to Toulouse. Henry Arundell has also chosen to extend his stay at Racing 92 meaning he cannot be selected. Joe Marchant is another man playing in France and will be joined by more of his compatriots next season.
Many were stunned when Henry Slade was overlooked for the World Cup having been involved so regularly in the lead up.
Despite his obvious frustration, Slade has focused on his club form and been a pillar of Exeter's success. Not only has he performed impressively at 13 but he's shown great leadership in a young side.
Slade has produced some clutch moments, kicking game-winning scores to see off the likes of Toulon, Glasgow and Gloucester.
There's a few players with no - or limited - England exposure.
Tommy Freeman won his international caps under Eddie Jones, but hasn't played since. He's excelled in a number of positions for Northampton and his versatility can be a key asset.
Exeter's flying winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is set to be fast tracked into the squad after shunning Wales to play for England.
Freeman's team-mate Tom Pearson has been a towering presence in the back row and is another player whose form almost makes him a cert.
February 3- Italy (A)
February 10- Wales (H)
February 24- Scotland (A)
March 9 - Ireland (H)
Match 16 - France (A)
There's a few names we all know will be integral to England's chances.
Jamie George, of course, and his club team-mates Maro Itoje and Ben Earl. Alex Mitchell has been the best 9 in the country in recent months.
Alongside him George Ford and Marcus Smith are set to battle for the fly-half position.
Ollie Lawrence has been a standout in the centres with Freddie Steward a commanding presence in the back field.
A lot of the talk has been about who will replace Owen Farrell, who has chosen to step away from the international game, as captain.
Jamie George is set to assume the mantle with the likes of Ellis Genge and George Ford both discussed as potential options, but they've had their preparation hampered by injury.
Today we'll find out who Steve Borthwick has picked for England's Six Nations campaign.
The head coach will announce the names - and his new captain - at 10am.
Stay tuned for all the latest.
