"Baffling" - Three players Steve Borthwick should DROP – and who should be called-up

It appears that a series of egregious mistakes have been made, resulting in the exclusion of several key players who should undoubtedly be part of the team.

The time for corrective action is now, and the hopes of a nation hang in the balance.

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The decision to ax Mercer is beyond comprehension. I mean, seriously, this guy was crowned the Top 14 player of the year in 2021/22, leading Montpellier to a title victory. Not to mention, he left defenders biting the dust more than any other player in the entire league this season! And what does he get in return? The boot!

You can't help but question Mercer's sanity. He actually had the audacity to agree to return to the Premiership, likely taking a massive hit to his paycheck, all for the sake of representing his country again. And what does he get? A one-way ticket to the discard pile without even a sniff of an international opportunity.

Let's not forget, the number eight position has been a headache for England as well. Sure, there's a glimmer of hope if Billy Vunipola gets his act together and proves his fitness. But let's be real, the current guy in the shirt, Alex Dombrandt, struggled in the Six Nations. And yet, it seems like he's been given every chance in the world to prove himself.

I understand the importance of experience, but sometimes you have to take risks, embrace the future, and give the young blood a chance to prove themselves.

After impressing during the 2023 Six Nations in patches, Mitchell deserved that chance, and Borthwick's conservative choice has denied him the opportunity to shine. It's a decision that reeks of missed potential and will undoubtedly leave Mitchell feeling undervalued and neglected.

This should have been a no-brainer, a slam dunk for Mitchell. Yet, Borthwick has once again taken the safe route, opting for the worn-out experience of Ben Youngs instead of giving the young gun a fair chance to shine.

It's infuriating to witness such a lack of boldness and imagination in a sport that thrives on youthful energy and innovation.

May, undoubtedly an England legend, has etched his name as the second highest scorer in the country's history—a testament to his exceptional abilities and undeniable talent.

His contributions to the sport have solidified his status as one of the all-time greats. However, it is imperative to acknowledge the stark reality of his recent performances with Gloucester, which have been nothing short of disappointing.

On the other hand, we have Freeman, a winger who has left spectators in awe with his remarkable displays on the field. With an impressive tally of 11 tries in the Premiership, he has showcased his prowess and versatility as one of the finest wingers in the nation. His all-around abilities make him a force to be reckoned with, demanding attention and respect from opponents.

While May's reputation and past achievements deserve admiration, it is essential to consider the current form and impact of players.

England have been drawn in Pool D for Rugby World Cup 2023 – alongside Japan, Argentina, Samoa and Chile.

England will begin their RWC 2023 campaign against Argentina in Marseille on Saturday 9th September.

All kick-off times are shown in UK & Ireland time (with local time in brackets).

England v Argentina: Stade Vélodrome, Marseille. Saturday 9th September 2023. Kick-off: 8:00pm (9:00pm local)

England v Japan: Stade de Nice, Nice. Sunday 17th September 2023. Kick-off: 8:00pm (9:00pm local)

England v Chile: Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille. Saturday 23rd September 2023. Kick-off: 4:45pm (5:45pm local)

England v Samoa: Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille. Saturday 7th October 2023. Kick-off: 4:45pm (5:45pm local)

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