Eddie Jones has spoken frequently of his desire to uncover a World Cup bolter, England’s equivalent of Nehe Milner-Skudder, who broke into the New Zealand team in 2015 and scored in the final against Australia.
Here are five talented players who could put their hand up for selection between now and when the World Cup kicks off in September.
1. LEWIS LUDLAM
This time last year England were fretting over the lack of options at openside flanker. Two came along almost at once – Sam Underhill and Tom Curry – and a third has emerged this season in Ludlam. He has been profiting from the expansive style favoured by the Saints’ director of rugby, Chris Boyd. Ludlam is worth a go.
2. JOE MARCHANT
Another Quins youngster. He plays like a No13 of old, quick feet and a burst of pace, looking to attack defenders on their outside shoulder. Marchant is in a position where England are hardly struggling for options but he is clearly impressing Eddie Jones, who has talked about the need to work on England’s attack. In Marchant, he has a merchant of menace.null
3. ALEX DOMBRANDT
Dombrandt could be seen as the form No.6 in the Gallagher Premiership after his consistently solid performances throughout the season, which led to him being included in BT Sport's team of the season.
4. OLLIE THORLEY
The first name on our list will come as no surprise to any fan to have witnessed Gloucester’s Thorley this season, having surged back onto the scene after a number of disrupting injuries since making his Premiership debut as a 19-year-old three years ago.
5. JACK SINGLETON
George or Hartley? That's the question we've got used to being asked. However, Singleton, who joins Sarries in the summer, has been a standout star for Worcester this season and could beat Luke Cowan-Dickie to a spot in Eddie Jones England squad.
