Former England captain surprised 56-cap star isn't at World Cup after shock snub
Henry Slade's omission from England's World Cup squad caused a major stir and former captain Dylan Hartley admits he would've liked to see the Exeter star head to France.
The versatile back was part of the group that made the final in Japan four years ago and has remained largely present for the four years. Slade played in four of the five Six Nations games under Steve Borthwick earlier this year but was then the shock absentee from the 33-man squad who travelled across the Channel.
Slade has picked up 56 caps since his debut in 2015, largely playing at outside centre. Hartley though believes it is his versatility that may have cost him despite seeing him as the ideal man to play at 13, outside the likes of Manu Tuilagi or Ollie Lawrence.
He was quizzed on who he'd like to see as part of England's squad and told Mirror Sport: "Henry Slade for me, I don't want to say he should replace this guy or that guy. I think it is a dangerous thing but he is seen as a utility back, he's not and out and out 10, 12, 13 or 15.
"Henry could play anywhere, but I really like him as 13 for England when you had that balance of whatever fly-half - Owen, Marcus or George - a strong direct runner like Manu or Lawrence at 12 with Slade at 13. When I look it gives nice balance to how the team attack."
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Borthwick claimed he only wanted to take three centres, which called for more versatility in other areas, which arguably made Slade's omission all the more surprising given the amount of positions he can cover.
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MARCH 18: Henry Slade of England looks on prior to the Six Nations Rugby match between Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium on March 18, 2023 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Dan Mullan - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)The England coach said: “There have been a number of difficult decisions. Henry has been tremendous throughout the training camp. He is disappointed but we know there will be changes.
"There will be bumps and bruises so everyone needs to be ready to go. It was a personal conversation and I share my thoughts on the decision-making process. There are good players competing in his position. We were always going to have three players in key positions – that means in other areas of the team you need positional flexibility."
Tuilagi, Lawrence and Joe Marchant have been picked as the designated centres by the England boss with captain Owen Farrell and winger Elliot Daly both capable of filling in if necessary.
EMBARGOED TO 0001 THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Former England rugby captain, Dylan Hartley unveils a specially-commissioned 3 meter by 1.5 meter artwork created by artist, Vincent McIndoe titled, ÔWear la RoseÕ is unveiled at the Arc de Triomphe de l'toile in Paris, France for O2Õs latest England Rugby campaign, which celebrates England fans and their support of the squad as they prepare to compete in the upcoming international tournament. Picture date: Wednesday September 6, 2023. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Kieran Cleeves/PA WireSlade had been left out by Eddie Jones this time last year for a brief period, but the Aussie was adamant the Exeter man would be part of the World Cup squad before his axe.
Slade played alongside Lawrence in three of England's five Six Nations outings before teaming up with Tuilagi for the loss against Ireland in Dublin. Following the decision the Exeter star said: "Gutted to be left out of the world cup squad. Will keep working hard. Thank you for all of the kind messages over the last few days".
Former England Rugby Captain, Dylan Hartley, has unveiled a unique portrait of England Rugby fans at the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris as part of O2’s Wear la Rose campaign, ahead of England’s first match this weekend.
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