Back in 2019, the Rugby World Magazine gazed into their crystal ball and lodged their prediction as to which promising youngsters would go on to make up the future England team at the 2019 Rugby World Cup…
Rugby World’s 2019 England XV:
Fullback: Josh Hodge – “An accomplished goalkicker whose counter-attacking runs will make the most geriatric supporter stand from their seat.”
Winger: Joe Cokanasiga – “In four years he will be a frightening prospect, as his aerial and defensive skills improve to match his bulldozing attacking flair.”
Centre: Henry Slade – “The second distributor in this England side, Slade will be one of the team’s leaders in 2023.”
Centre: Ollie Lawrence – “Capable of marrying the power of Tuilagi with the shiftiness of a Jonathan Joseph, he should make opposition defences afraid.”
Winger: Anthony Watson – ” It feels as if he’s been around for a decade, but Watson has still not peaked.”