10 Players you (probably) forgot played for England

In fairness, it has been that way for decades, but they’ve really taken it to new levels since their Rugby World Cup triumph back in 2003.

However, in amongst those huge personalities and star names are some forgettable faces. Players that are just lost within all the glitz and glamour of Twickenham.

So with that in mind, check out the 10 players that you probably forgot played for England for one reason or another.

‘Flats’ is now making a name for himself as a pundit for anybody who wants a colourful character to present rugby content. He was a successful player for Bath but only ever managed to represent England on eight occasions. Injury blighted his career and he never quite achieved as many England caps as he deserved.

On 4 November 2009, he was named in the 22-man England squad to face Australia in the 2009 Autumn internationals.

After winning his first cap as a replacement against Australia, Erinle was named in the starting XV for the game against the All Blacks, which would be his last international appearance.

Yes, he has a cap – only a fleeting one, as a late replacement for Mark Cueto against Australia in 2005 – but he does boast a 100% winning ratio in international colours, so you can’t knock that. His main strengths were dropping the high ball under limited pressure and getting gassed on the outside.

He made his England debut against New Zealand on 5 November 2006, partnering Newcastle Falcons' Jamie Noon in the centre.

Allen received multiple stitches in his mouth halfway through that first half after being hit in the face by his New Zealand opposite number, but Allen was dropped after they lost 25–18 to Argentina and would never wear the white shirt again.

He made his full test debut against Argentina on 8 June on the right wing playing the whole 80 minutes. Wade was selected for the second game against Argentina the following week but withdrew from the team when he was called up to join the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia. Wade has since swapped sports to American Football due to his continued exile from the England fold.

Crompton was selected for the tour of South Africa at the age of 34, nine years after his first senior England tour, as a result of his form in the Premiership.

Thus, the tighthead was able to win his full England cap when he took to the field during the first Test against the Springboks in Bloemfontein as a replacement for Stuart Turner on 26 May 2007.

Worcester Warriors fan favourite fullback, Pennell was called up to the England training squad by coach Stuart Lancaster, and in May 2014 he flew out with the squad for the Barbarians' fixtures.

He made his England debut and only appearance to date during the tour, coming off the bench in the 20-15 loss to New Zealand. He's now playing in Major League Rugby with Dallas.

Walshe appeared several times over the years for the England A Team before winning his two full caps as a replacement on the 2006 tour to Australia.

Armitage made his international debut during the 2009 Six Nations against Italy and put in a solid enough performance, but has since only amassed 5 caps. The back-rower has been the centre of much controversy after repeatedly falling foul of the RFU’s edict that only Premiership-based players can be eligible for selection, despite there being an ‘exceptional circumstances’ clause.

Even though Armitage has won three European titles with Toulon and a European Player of the Year award, he has not played for England since 2010.

You would hope that Thorley, who is the cousin of Maro Itoje, wouldn't be on this list for long. However, after making his long-awaited debut against Italy last October he lost his place on the wing to Jonathan Joseph before being dropped completely. His poor form with Gloucester also suggests he won't be getting a recall anytime soon.