Winger Anthony Watson’s World Cup journey has come to an end through injury, dealing yet another heavy blow to England’s prep for the tournament.
In a week that already saw Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola suspended, England’s head honcho Steve Borthwick now faces the loss of another key player.
The RFU, confirming Watson will miss the tournament, said in a statement: “Everybody at England Rugby extends their best wishes to Anthony, and looks forward to seeing him back in action soon.”
Interestingly, Jonny May is stepping up for the final warm-up clash against Fiji this Saturday, even though he wasn’t initially part of the official 33-player World Cup squad.
Adding to the mix, there’s concern about utility back Elliot Daly’s fitness. The good news is that Joe Cokanasiga is on standby, ready to step in if needed.
Fingers are crossed in England’s camp that Daly might recover in time, with a solid two weeks to go before their opening match.
Rugby Quiz:
“Rip it up” – Sir Clive Woodward selects his England XV for 2023 Rugby World Cup
Writing in his column for the Mail Online, Woodward stated: “It’s time for Steve Borthwick to bite the bullet and tear apart England’s World Cup squad after poor warm-up displays and bans.”
Check out his full selection below.
#BACK-THREE:
15. Anthony Watson (Unattached)
14. Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons)
11. Henry Arundell (London Irish)
Woodward wrote: “I’d have Henry Arundell and possibly Max Malins on the wings but I’d seriously consider either Adam Radwan or Cadan Murley instead of Malins from outside the current squad.”
#CENTRES:
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
12. Fredie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
Woodward wrote: “To get the most out of Smith, he needs a back line equal to his attacking talents and a licence to play. With this in mind, I would consider playing Freddie Steward at inside centre.
“Steward is a great defensive full back but England need a running threat there which is why I would play Anthony Watson. For too long England’s midfield thinking has been dominated by Manu Tuilagi.
“We need to get creative. Steward is strong defensively and he would do well in midfield.”
He added: “It was a big call to leave out Slade in the first place but the paucity of the side’s back line displays in the last three weeks has shown England badly miss his footballing ability.”