Predicted England squad for the Rugby World Cup
- •
- 412 reads
- •
- 5,362 views
- •
- 6 min read
After the disappointment of the 2015 World Cup, England are ready to put on a better dispaly at the next tournament.
As Japan prepares itself for the biggest celebration of rugby, England coach Eddie Jones will be casting an eye over all the candidates who could make the trip.
Here are the 31 players we think will be included in England’s squad:
Prop - Mako Vunipola
England fans will be seriously hoping that Mako Vunipola will be fit for the World Cup, likely one to appear in the starting XV.
Prop - Kyle Sinckler
The Harlequins man could see more time on the field following the departure of Joe Marler from international rugby.
Prop - Harry Williams
The Exeter Chief has seriously impressed at club level, and could see opportunities to show off his skills on the world stage.
Prop - Ellis Genge
At the age of 23, Genge would be one of the more inexperienced members of the squad, but the presence of his club teammate Sinckler could do much to encourage him.
Hooker - Dylan Hartley
Skipper. In the squad. Next!
Hooker - Jamie George
A worthy deputy to Hartley at hooker, some think he should be in the side ahead of the captain.
Second Row - Courtney Lawes
The Northampton Saint will be one of the first names on the squad list. With 65 caps, Lawes will be one of the most experienced players in the team.
Second Row - Maro Itoje
Itoje, like Lawes, is one of the first names on the teamsheet. A terrifically watchable player, Itoje can set a game alight in an instant.
Second Row - George Kruis
Itoje’s Saracens teammate, Kruis has a strong level of familiarity with his younger understudy.
Second Row - Joe Launchbury
Another veteran of the England side, Launchbury may struggle for regular playing time. Astonishing, when considering “Launchers'” ability.
Flanker - Chris Robshaw
A perennial presence hanging off the edge of the scrum. No longer captain, but a leader nonetheless.
Flanker - Sam Simmonds
Simmonds turned in a number of strong performances during the Six Nations last year, and could be in line to start in Asia.
Flanker - Sam Underhill
Underhill could make an appearance in Japan, likely working off the bench.
Number 8 - Billy Vunipola
Like brother Mako, the hope will be that Billy is able to stay fit.
Number 8 - Brad Shields
Some call him a flanker, some call him a number eight. I call him quite good at rugby.
Number 8 - Nathan Hughes
The exciting Wasps eight may be a lethal weapon to use from the substitutes bench.
Scrum-half - Danny Care
Grizzled Harlequins star, will be invaluable when dictating the play out of the ruck.
Scrum-half - Ben Youngs
The relief option, particularly adept at slipping through defences at the breakdown when carrying the ball.
Scrum-half - Richard Wigglesworth
Another experienced number nine, Wigglesworth will be used in a back-up role to Care and Youngs.
Fly-half - George Ford
The Leicester Tiger is a sturdy defender, and can rid the ball from deep inside England’s 22 with the boot.
Fly-half - Danny Cipriani
If Danny Cipriani can remain un-arrested between now and September, he should be on the plane.
Fly-half - Henry Slade
A fantastically versatile back, Slade has what it takes to become Eddie Jones’ ‘Swiss Army Knife’.
Centre - Owen Farrell
Farrell will be tasked with kicking duties and the vice-captaincy. No pressure, mate.
Centre - Manu Tuilagi
England fans would surely be overjoyed to see the much loved Tuilagi board the plane.
Centre - Ben Te'o
The Wasps star has seen a lot in the world of rugby, and could be a valuable addition to the squad.
Centre - Jonathan Joseph
A blistering attacking threat, Joseph will be schemed for. If fit, expect Joseph to start alongside Farrell.
Wing - Chris Ashton
He’s back! The mercurial England wing is a try-scoring machine, and forced Eddie Jones’ hand when he scored a hat-trick against England for the Barbarians. A deserved inclusion.
Wing - Jonny May
The Leicester wing is lethal from the perimeter, and when the ball lands in his hands, he can score from just about anywhere on the pitch. Terrific acceleration with a great rugby brain.
Wing - Elliot Daly
With a curiously low 21 caps, it feels like Daly has been around England for much longer. Aged just 26, he might well be. Expect to see Daly deployed off the bench.
Wing - Jack Nowell
Nowell is one of the more flexible options as part of the back three, and could see game time on either flank or at full-back.
Full-back - Mike Brown
Mike Brown is still England’s best full-back. I’d expect Eddie Jones to pack just the one recognised deep man.
Just missed out
If that squad is correct then the likes of Alex Lozowski, Ben Morgan, Piers Francis, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Nick Isiekwe, Zach Mercer, Alec Hepburn and Nathan Earle might consider themselves unfortunate to be left out.