England’s World Cup plans have been rocked by further upheaval as Elliot Daly has been ruled out of 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 two more key players.
It’s already been confirmed that Anthony Watsons has been ruled out of the tournament, being replaced by Jonny May in the World Cup squad.
Now, according to the Mail Online, versatile Saracen Daly is now also ruled out of the tournament.
RUCK sources suggest powerhouse winger Joe Cokanasiga will be called into the squad as replacement for Daly.
In the meantime, Tom Curry, a flanker, is in the process of recuperating from an ankle injury, while George Martin, a lock, is still unable to participate due to a knee injury.
England has had to bid farewell to scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet, who sustained an ankle injury. Stepping into his position in the squad is Saints playmaker Alex Mitchell.
As they kick off their World Cup journey, England is all set to take on Argentina on the 9th of September.
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.”