Steve Borthwick claimed England have a squad to meet the “unique challenges” of a Rugby World Cup after announcing the 33 players who will travel to France next month.
The Red Rose boss has caused a stir by axing Henry Slade, formerly England’s vice-captain, from the group challenged to go one better than 2019 when Eddie Jones’ side reached the final in Japan.
He has also raised eyebrows by picking Theo Dan, the Saracens hooker who only made his debut off the bench on Saturday in the dismal defeat by Wales.
But he said: “Rugby World Cups involve unique challenges in terms of the demands on players, the need for squad flexibility and the limited number of squad places available.
“France 2023 is no different, but I am confident we have selected a squad of 33 that is well able to meet those challenges and leave us best placed to be at our most competitive in this exciting tournament.”
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England, 10/1 underdogs after an underwhelming four-year cycle, have lost their last three games. They have won only three of 10 in the past 12 months.
Yet Borthwick believes good times can follow under the captaincy of Owen Farrell, assisted by senior lieutenants Ellis Genge and Courtney Lawes. They are helped by the kindest of World Cup draws.
“There have been a number of very difficult selection decisions to make, given the quality of our wider training squad,” he admitted. “Some very good players have missed out on selection such has been the competition for places over the last eight weeks and more of preparation.”
Owen Farrell will lead England into the World Cup (Getty Images)Versatility has been key to his thinking, opting for players who can operate in multiple positions: Max Malins, Ben Earl, Lewis Ludlam, Elliot Daly and Joe Marchant to name five.
England have three more games before they head across the Channel, starting with a return against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday, then Ireland in Dublin and Fiji back at HQ.
“As Saturday’s game in Cardiff proved, we have a series of demanding Test matches through August,” Borthwick acknowledged. He is not wrong. The tournament kicks off a month on Tuesday.
England Rugby World Cup squad
Forwards (19)
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 9 caps)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 100 caps)***
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 45 caps)*
Kevin Sinfield admits he owes new England role to best mate Rob Burrow
Theo Dan (Saracens, 1 cap)
Ben Earl (Saracens, 15 caps)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 49 caps)*
Jamie George (Saracens, 77 caps)**
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 67 caps)*
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 97 caps)***
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 20 caps)*
Joe Marler (Harlequins, 79 caps)**
George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
David Ribbans (Toulon, 6 caps)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 3 caps)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)*
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 26 caps)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 68 caps) **
Jack Walker (Harlequins, 3 caps)
Jack Willis (Toulouse, 10 caps)
England's Joe Marchant in action against Wales (PA)Backs (14)
Henry Arundell (Racing 92, 7 caps)
Danny Care (Harlequins, 88 caps)*
Elliot Daly (Saracens, 57 caps)*
Owen Farrell (Saracens, 106 caps)**
George Ford (Sale Sharks, 82 caps)**
Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 11 caps)
Max Malins (Bristol Bears, 19 caps)
Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 16 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 22 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 23 caps)
Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 51 caps)**
Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 13 caps)
Anthony Watson (unattached, 55 caps)**
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 122 caps)***
*denotes number of Rugby World Cup tournaments played
England matches
Saturday 9 September, kick off 2000 BST – England v Argentina (Stade Vélodrome, Marseille)
Sunday 17 September, kick off 2000 BST – England v Japan (Stade de Nice, Nice)
Saturday 23 September, kick off 1645 BST – England v Chile (Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille)
Saturday 7 October, kick off 1645 BST – England v Samoa (Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille)
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