"Bit of a s***" - Joe Marler set to miss out on 2021 Lions tour

“I didn’t get an email. Bit gutted. I’m not surprised, but I’d have loved to have gone. I’d love to have gone with a different approach to it than I did in 2017,” Marler said.

“I remember sitting down talking to (former Ireland hooker) Rory Best on that tour. He said he regretted the way he had approached 2013 and the memories he had of it.

“It was pretty obvious from the start that he wasn’t going to make the Test team and he let those feelings become bitter and cloud his enjoyment of the whole experience. And he wanted to make sure that in 2017, the midweekers didn’t make the same mistake that he did. And there was part of that for me in 2017.

“It was pretty obvious from the start that I wasn’t going to get a sniff of the Tests and I was a bit of a s*** at times. I regret having those feelings towards it.

"I still had an unbelievable experience and the friends I made for life, but I’d have liked to have gone back this time around and would have tried to help out.”

The loosehead-prop has played down his chances of a Lions call-up after receiving no contact from Warren Gatland or his management team. Genge had been tipped for selection by former Lions captain Sam Warburton, but it now looks like he will miss out.

Props to make the squad: Tadhg Furlong (1/10), Kyle Sinckler (1/7), Wyn Jones (1/4), Mako Vunipola (1/3), Cian Healy (8/11), Andrew Porter or Zander Fagerson (both 10/11)

The Ireland captain is perhaps the most high profile expected omission of all, with Finn Russell currently just ahead of him for the third outside-half spot behind Owen Farrell and Dan Biggar. The Ireland captain has been absent for nearly a month, having sustained his latest head injury in the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final win over Exeter Chiefs.

Outside-halves to make the squad: Owen Farrell (1/20), Dan Biggar (1/3), Finn Russell (1/2)

The Exeter second-row would be “such an honour” to be named in the British and Irish Lions squad tomorrow for the tour of South Africa, but says it’s not something he has focused on. With that in mind, it's been reported that he has also missed out.

Second-rows to make the squad: Maro Itoje (1/10), Alun Wyn Jones (1/8), James Ryan (1/7), Tadhg Beirne (1/4), Iain Henderson (4/6)

Undoubtedly, Ford has evolved into a fine player – he’s closing in on 200 league appearances and has collected 76 England caps along the way – but his Lions call has never arrived.

There has been clamour for a call up due to his form for Leicester Tigers, however, reports today suggest he isn't being considered by Warren Gatland.

Outside-halves to make the squad: Owen Farrell (1/20), Dan Biggar (1/3), Finn Russell (1/2)

It is no coincidence that England lifted themselves out of a poor run of form towards the end of 2018 when Tuilagi returned to the fold. It was reported by The Times last week that the centre may not make the squad, but will be on Warren Gatland’s ‘standby list’.

Centres to make the squad: Robbie Henshaw (1/10), Jonathan Davies (1/5), Garry Ringrose (1/2)