#2. Ben Earl
The Sarries flanker has been the standout English back-rower in the Premiership for a considerable period of time. His explosive carrying and breakdown snaffling make him the type of player that can change a game on his own.
His omission under Jones was baffling, especially when the former England boss started picking locks in the back-row more and more often.
Earl has captained England at Under-20s and was a part of the side that won the Grand Slam in the 2017 Six Nations; he also scored in the U20 World Championship final against New Zealand, going on to captain his country the following campaign.
The back rower has since made his full England debut, coming on in the Six Nations against Scotland in February 2020.
He memorably scored a hat-trick against Harlequins in the 21/22 Premiership semi-final, and his form has continued to go from strength to strength.
DID YOU KNOW? Off the field, Earl graduated from Queen Mary University with a degree in comparative literature in July 2019.
#3. George Ford
With Borthwick leaving Leicester to take the England reins, a returning Ford could once again see himself playing a leading role. It was Ford’s tactical nous, alongside Borthwick’s assiduousness and obsessive attention to detail, that spearheaded Leicester to that unlikely Premiership title last season.
A long-term injury lay-off should have him well rested and ready to take full part under the new regime.
Ford made his England debut in 2014 and has since gone on to win more than 80 caps. He played a key role as Eddie Jones’s men reached the World Cup final in 2019.
After announcing George’s signing, Sharks DoR Alex Sanderson described him as one of the world’s best fly-halves.
He added: “He’s a northerner and his heart is very much in this area. He’s been away for some years now but he’s coming back to his spiritual home. It’s a massive boost for the club and it’s a big indication of what we’re all about and where we’re trying to get to.”
