Eddie Jones has spoken frequently of his desire to uncover a World Cup bolter, England’s equivalent of Nehe Milner-Skudder, who broke into the New Zealand team in 2015 and scored in the final against Australia.
Here are five talented players who could put their hand up for selection between now and when the World Cup kicks off in September.
1. LEWIS LUDLAM
This time last year England were fretting over the lack of options at openside flanker. Two came along almost at once – Sam Underhill and Tom Curry – and a third has emerged this season in Ludlam. He has been profiting from the expansive style favoured by the Saints’ director of rugby, Chris Boyd. Ludlam is worth a go.