Five players England and Borthwick must start phasing out ahead of World Cup

The older contingent could definitely have a significant influence on England’s short-term future under their new head coach.

There will be fresh faces in the Six Nations squad named by Borthwick today, but there could be plenty of familiar ones too.

A twist to the old sporting mantra, if they are good enough, they are young enough, but the clock is definitely ticking for them.

These decisions are not meant to be easy. England mens most capped player of all-time, but Borthwick must move him on.

He is an excellent player who continues to confound critics for his country but a sense of unreliability lingers at the absolute highest level and at a time when ruthlessness is required, there is room for specific and obvious improvement in his position.

Youngs has now played under three different England head coaches during a 14-year Test career – Borthwick, Martin Johnson, Stuart Lancaster and Eddie Jones – and only Australian great George Gregan has won more caps for his country as a scrum-half.

DID YOU KNOW? Son of former scrum-half Nick and brother to hooker Tom, Leicester Tigers is in the blood of scrum-half Ben Youngs

Vunipola will hope to continue at No 8, but the likes of Alex Dombrandt, Zach Mercer and Tom Willis are desperate to secure that jersey long-term.

Dropped by Eddie Jones in 2021 before being recalled in the Autumn, this feels like Billy's last stretch at the very top level. He will want to go out with a bang.

DID YOU KNOW? He played junior rugby for Thornbury RFC before being given a scholarship to attend Harrow School

May well and truly announced himself on the international stage with an extraordinary maiden Test try against New Zealand in November 2014.

Now England's second top try-scorer of all-time, his power seems to be diminishing following a number of debilitating injuries in recent seasons.

A player of his quality and professionalism could still have a part to play, but his time is almost certainly up.

DID YOU KNOW? May knew Ed Sheeran because his mother Hazel was close friends with the singer’s godmother and gave him guitar lessons

Another player dropped by Jones in 2021, George has rediscovered his best form to once again become a key cog in the England pack.

The emergence of exciting young hookers like Newcastle Falcons Jamie Blamire mean hie should now start to be phased out slowly.

DID YOU KNOW? He is an Aston Villa fan

With Joe Marler in trouble once again, Vunipola is in a good place to be England's experienced loosehead for the 2023 Six Nations and beyond.

Vunipola made his England debut in 2012 and has since won 67 caps. He toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2013, 2017 and 2021, winning 9 caps. He won the award for England Player of the Year in 2018.

DID YOU KNOW? Born in New Zealand to Tongan parents, he qualified for England through residency