Here is our alternative England XV made up of players who were unlucky to miss out on Eddie Jones’ squad for the Six Nations.
There were always going to be some tough calls and with competition for places fiercer than ever before, a number of classy players have been left disappointed
We pick a team out of those players unlucky to miss out…
Fullback: Jason Woodward (Gloucester)
New Zealand-born Woodward, who qualifies for England through his grandmother, has consistently been in impressive form for his club Gloucester down the years. His performances in 2017/18 saw him selected for the South Africa tour, but his hopes were dashed when he failed to feature in any of the three Tests.
Winger: Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins)
One of the most exciting young wingers in the country, he has been a regular in the England age-group sides and was named in Eddie Jones’ wider training squad for the 2018 Six Nations. The man is box-office and can score from any position on the pitch. A future England star.
These incredible angles of Gabriel Ibitoye’s sensational assist need to be seen to be believed 😱
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) November 18, 2019
Wow… Just, wow!#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/7A7OWnZ6NP
Centre: Joe Marchant (Blues)
A cheeky inclusion. The England centre misses out because he’s off having a go at Super Rugby for a year with the Blues in a revolutionary move made possible through the Club’s ongoing relationship with New Zealand Rugby.
Centre: Ryan Mills (Worcester Warriors)
Seen by many as an underrated player worthy of an England call-up, having represented his country at Under-20 level, Mills has a shrewd rugby brain. Long-range goal-kicking, a 90 per cent tackle success rate and a willingness to carry into contact make him the perfect midfield weapon.
Winger: Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks)
The flying wing is a prolific try-scoring and is widely regarded as the best finisher in England. His turbulent relationship with Jones means we’re unlikely to see him in an England shirt ever again as the 32-year-old enters the twilight years of his career.