07 August 2023 , 19:43
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England boss Steve Borthwick opted to take three fly-halves to the Rugby World Cup with Henry Slade among the major casualties.
The Red Rose named their 33-man squad after their first warm-up match, a dismal and forgettable loss in Cardiff, which potentially harmed the chances of certain individuals. Borthwick's England have had less than a year of preparation time but the former Leicester Tigers boss has made some big calls.
Alex Dombrandt, who has been a regular at No 8, is another of those omitted with seven individuals included who have less than ten caps. Owen Farrell, George Ford and Marcus Smith were all named, which will see the debate of who should play at 10 continue.
Billy Vunipola, who has struggled with injury, is the only No 8 named in the squad. Veteran props Dan Cole and Joe Marler are included whilst Saracens youngster Theo Dan is an interesting inclusion at hooker following an impressive campaign.
Jack Willis is the only man playing his club rugby outside of England to be named in the squad after continuing to excel with Toulouse. Courtney Lawes, George Martin and Ollie Chessum are among the hybrid options who can cover second row and back row.
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Tom Pearson was named the Premiership's Breakthrough Player of the Year after a classy season with London Irish but misses out on the World Cup after failing to stake his claim on his debut.
Ben Youngs and Dan Care, two scrum-half stalwarts, are named alongside Leicester's Jack van Poortvliet. Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence are the two out and out centres picked in the squad with Joe Marchant and Elliott Daly also able to play at 13, as is Farrell.
Henry Slade was a big name omission
Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith are two of three fly-halvesSlade has been a regular in recent years but is the shock omission. Borthwick said on his decision to leave the Exeter man out: "Henry's been excellent throughout the training camp, he's clearly disappointed, but the message to the players that have not been selected is 'be ready to come into the squad'."
Freddie Steward has commanded the fullback role since coming into the starting XV with Max Malins, Henry Arundell and Anthony Watson the other options who can occupy the back three. Bath's Joe Cokanasiga and Cadan Murley both miss out.
England's Rugby World Cup Squad
Backs : Freddie Steward, Elliot Daly, Anthony Watson, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Henry Arundell, Ollie Lawrence, Manu Tuilagi, Marcus Smith, Owen Farrell (capt), George Ford, Ben Youngs, Danny Care, Jack van Poortvliet.
Forwards : Ellis Genge, Joe Marler, Bevan Rodd, Will Stuart, Kyle Sinckler, Dan Cole, Jamie George, Theo Dan, Jack Walker, Maro Itoje, George Martin, Ollie Chessum, David Ribbans, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Jack Willis, Billy Vunipola.