Gatland picked five 'nailed on' England players for Lions XV in 2019

Two years on, let's look at who he picked:

Position: Hooker

Age: 30

How's he doing? George had continued to star for England and was 1/20 to make the squad up until the 2021 Six Nations. However, after being in and out of Eddie Jones side, Ken Owens is now the favourite to make the squad.

DID YOU KNOW? He is an Aston Villa fan with his current favourite player being Jack Grealish.

Position: Lock/Back-row

Age: 26

How's he doing? Still one of the best in the world despite England's poor Six Nations campaign. Definitely a certainty for the squad, but the XV maybe not.

DID YOU KNOW? Gloucester speedster Ollie Thorley is Itoje’s cousin, after his grandfather re-married a Nigerian woman who is the Saracens lock’s aunt.

Position: Flanker:

Age: 22

How's he doing? His performances across 2019 saw him nominated for the World Rugby player of the year. His stock has continued to rise since then. A certainty.

DID YOU KNOW? Tom studied at Oundle School – where the master in charge of rugby was their uncle and former England international John Olver.

Position: Back-three

Age: 27

How's he doing? Injury has ravaged his year, although he did make his return for England against Wales in the Autumn Nations Cup. Outstanding on his day, and probably a certainty for the squad after scoring four tries during the 2021 Six Nations.

DID YOU KNOW? His uncle, Mark Watson, was one of the Concorde pilots. His two brothers, Marcus (Wasps) & Callum (Loughborough Students) are also rugby players

Position: Centre

Age: 29

How's he doing? Ruled out until at least May with an achilles injury, his chances of touring are starting to fade.

DID YOU KNOW? He became England’s youngest RWC player at 20 years and 115 days against Argentina, being 15 days younger than Jonny Wilkinson, who set the record in 1999.