Steve Borthwick unveiled a 36-player squad for the upcoming Summer Series, and it features a blend of fresh talent and some surprising omissions.
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Among the new faces are six uncapped players: Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Gabriel Oghre (Bristol Bears), Joe Carpenter (Sale Sharks), Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks), Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints), and Luke Northmore (Harlequins).
Led by Jamie George, the squad comprises 20 forwards and 16 backs.
The team will train at Twickenham Stadium on Tuesday, 11 June, before jetting off to Tokyo to ramp up their preparations.
Top Five Shock Absentees from Borthwick's Squad
1. Zach Mercer (Gloucester Rugby)
The rugby world is abuzz with Zach Mercer's continued absence from the national setup. Despite high hopes for a recall, the dynamic number 8 remains sidelined. Mercer’s stellar performances have caught the eye of Top 14 clubs, with Gloucester slapping a hefty £1 million price tag on him. Though Montpellier's interest waned, Toulon remains keen, setting the stage for a potential high-stakes transfer battle.
Zach Mercer of Gloucester Rugby during the Challenge Cup Final Match between Gloucester Rugby and Hollywoodbets Sharks at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 24 May 2024. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
2. Ted Hill (Bath RFC)
Ted Hill's exclusion raises eyebrows given his resurgence at Bath under Johann van Graan. The powerful flanker, capped twice by England, has been in fine form but still couldn't break into Borthwick's plans. Hill's standout performance in the Premiership final only makes his omission more puzzling.
Ted Hill of Bath Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks at the Recreation Ground on 1 June 2024. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
3. Curtis Langdon (Northampton Saints)
Curtis Langdon's absence is largely down to a shoulder injury picked up during Saints' Premiership final win. Borthwick confirmed Langdon was in contention but ultimately left out due to the injury. Langdon, alongside Bath's Beno Obano, remains on standby pending recovery and disciplinary processes.
4. Alfie Barbeary (Bath RFC)
Alfie Barbeary, a standout young talent, continues to miss out on national duty despite his impressive displays. Known for his try-scoring prowess and dynamic play, Barbeary has been a key figure in European competitions and the Premiership. His exclusion leaves many fans and pundits scratching their heads.
Alfie Barbeary of Bath Rugby in shock after winning during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks at the Recreation Ground on 1 June 2024. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
5. Josh Hathaway (Gloucester)
Josh Hathaway's omission comes as a surprise given his recent form for Gloucester. The young fullback, born in Aberystwyth, is now catching the eye of Wales boss Warren Gatland. With the risk of losing another promising talent to their neighbours, Gatland will be keen to integrate Hathaway into the Welsh setup soon.
Josh Hathaway of Gloucester Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester Rugby and Saracens at Kingsholm Stadium on 27 October 2023 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
