England rugby squad LIVE: World Cup announcement reaction as Steve Borthwick leaves out Henry Slade
The 33-man squad was officially unveiled as England look to bounce back from a poor Six Nations campaign
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Experienced centre Henry Slade has been left out of England’s Rugby World Cup squad as the shock omission from Steve Borthwick’s 33-player selection named on Monday morning.
Slade had featured in 33 of England’s 37 internationals since the 2019 tournament and had hoped to feature at a third World Cup, but finds himself left out with Joe Marchant favoured at outside centre.
Rookie hooker Theo Dan, who earned his first cap against Wales, is an eye-catching inclusion in the front row, but there is no place for his fellow debutants in Cardiff, with both Tom Pearson and Tom Willis squeezed out of the back row.
With Alex Dombrandt, who has started every England Test this year, omitted alongside the younger Willis brother, it leaves Borthwick without specialist No 8 back-up for Billy Vunipola, who is still working his way back from a knee issue and is yet to feature under the England head coach. Versatile back-rowers Ben Earl and Lewis Ludlam are preferred, with Jack Willis, Tom Curry and vice-captain Courtney Lawes completing the back-row options in the squad.
Follow all the updates and reaction below:
Henry Slade stunningly left out as England name 33-man Rugby World Cup squad
Experienced centre Henry Slade has been left out of England’s Rugby World Cup squad in the shock omission from Steve Borthwick’s 33-player selection.
Slade had featured in 30 of England’s 37 internationals since the 2019 tournament and had hoped to feature at a third World Cup, but finds himself left out with Joe Marchant favoured at outside centre.
Rookie hooker Theo Dan, who earned his first cap against Wales, is an eye-catching inclusion in the front row, but there is no place for his fellow debutants in Cardiff, with both Tom Pearson and Tom Willis squeezed out of the back row.
With Alex Dombrandt, who has started every England test this year, omitted alongside the younger Willis brother, it leaves Borthwick without specialist No 8 back-up for Billy Vunipola, who is still working his way back from a knee issue and is yet to feature under the England head coach.
Versatile back-rowers Ben Earl and Lewis Ludlam are preferred, with Jack Willis, Tom Curry and vice-captain Courtney Lawes completing the back row options in the squad.
Henry Slade stunningly left out as England name Rugby World Cup squad
Steve Borthwick has announced his squad for France as the Red Rose look to bounce back from a poor Six Nations campaign
England captain Owen Farrell gives his thoughts on the squad
“We’re feeling good. We feel like our prep has been good but now we want to kick on,” said Farrell. “There’s a good feeling and a great opportunity. We want to grab hold of it and take it forward now as best we can.
“We’re working unbelievably hard here to get the most out of ourselves. We were disappointed in the Six Nations and this is the time when we get the most time together to prepare for a tournament. To be part of this is a big opportunity.
“I have not spoken to [Henry Slade] yet but I shared a room with him for the past few weeks. I’ll definitely been in touch. But there’s a lot of competition. We have a great squad. People need to stay ready, though. This squad won’t stay the same [due to injuries].
“I had no say in the decision. When it comes to any squad, there’s a lot of competition – especially England, where there are a lot of good players.”
Borthwick ready to focus on improving
“We have a very clear framework of what we’re working towards in terms of training and tactics,” explained Borthwick. “We want to win the Tests. I’ve said that from day one. But we also understand the need for adaptability but we have a very clear plan in mind.
“Now, our focus is on about getting better and improving – less on selection. There was a lot of chat last week about selection. Announcing today has been an important step for us. Now we build. Three important Test in front of us and each one will be a step forward in terms of how we play. We’re in a reasonably challenging training phase now which will lessen as we approach the tournament - and the team will sharpen.
“The finalists have been in camp a week longer so many of them will become more available for selection this Saturday.”
Kevin Sinfield discusses the defence
England’s defence coach Kevin Sinfield has discussed that aspect of England’s game and how that factors into selection.
“A number of attributes [we’re looking for]. We went through a very thorough process, Steve and I, after the Six Nations and these past eight weeks.
“I won’t share our defensive philosophy but, like most, we’re heavily reliant on our back row and centres to provide energy and hit. And we’ve got great players there.
“But everyone has to bring leadership qualities. We’re looking for leaders throughout. Back row and centres is the position on which we’ll rely on but there are a number of players who will provide aggression and energy.”
Steve Borthwick on Billy Vunipola
Billy Vunipola is the only specialist No 8 in the squad, with Tom Willis missing out and Lewis Ludlam or Ben Earl being trusted to cover the position should that be needed. Borthwick sounded unfazed by the prospect.
[Is Billy Vunipola a risk?]: “He’s been fantastic,” said Borthwick. “He has worked so hard to come back from his injury. He looks as fit as I’ve ever seen him. In great shape.
“There are a number of points. One of which is the opportunity to work with players over a period of time.
“We average over 40 caps with an average age of 26. 13 from the 2019 World Cup final. We have a group of players who are experienced and understand World Cup rugby. That’s exciting - because it blends with players who are at their first tournament.
T”his group of players are some of the most competitive people I’ve ever met. They want to win anything.”
Steve Borthwick discusses his selection dilemmas
Steve Borthwick has discussed his selection dilemmas after naming his 33-man squad for the Rugby World Cup, including the decision to drop Henry Slade.
“There have been a number of difficult decisions,” said Borthwick. “Quality players will miss out. 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.
“Henry and all the players were disappointed. They all worked incredibly hard and were disappointed. But each one will be ready to go.”
England squad gathers at Twickenham
So now the 33-man England squad is known, they’ve all gathered at Twickenham for photos. A real ‘kids mucking about on school photo day’ vibe at Rugby HQ with headmaster Borthwick then heading off to give a press conference
Steve Borthwick to discuss Rugby World Cup squad selection
A reminder that Steve Borthwick will speak to the world’s media to discuss his 33-man Rugby World Cup squad at 11.15am. The RFU will be live streaming his press conference, so you can watch along here:
Rugby World Cup 2023 latest odds
Odds via Betfair
- France 13/5
- New Zealand 13/5
- South Africa 4/1
- Ireland 5/1
- England 9/1
- Australia 10/1
- Argentina 22/1
- Wales 35/1
- Scotland 40/1
- Fiji 150/1
- Japan 200/1
- Tonga 400/1
- Samoa 425/1
- Italy 500/1
- Georgia 500/1
- Namibia 500/1
- Romania 500/1
- Uruguay 500/1
- Chile 500/1
- Portugal 500/1
Steve Borthwick hopes ‘clarity’ helps push England on
“We believe that announcing the squad a little earlier than otherwise might have been the case, brings clarity and certainty to the group,” Borthwick added.
“[It’s] allowing the players as much time as possible to settle and develop as a squad.”
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