LIST: 5 Best Players Never to Play for England

Since England’s first international fixture in 1871, over 1400 players have donned the famous white jersey.

Over the years, a number of high profile, talented players have been controversially overlooked, sparking outrage and debate amongst fans and the media alike.

A proud moment and a dream come true for each and every one of them. But for some, that’s all it will ever be, a dream.

Here are our top 5 players to never be capped by England:

The Exeter Chiefs stalwart has always been a good player but has struck a vintage since hitting his 30s and was the lynchpin behind Exeter’s recent success before hanging up his boots following their Champions Cup and Premiership double.

A reassuming, level-headed figure in any backline and consistently had a better kicking success rate than both Owen Farrell and George Ford.

Steenson qualified for both England and Ireland but hit his peak too late in his career to challenge for international caps.

DID YOU KNOW? Steenson opened an Irish bar named The Stand-Off in the centre of Exeter with fellow rugby footballer Carl Rimmer

He joined Gloucester in the summer of 1996 and over the following seven seasons he set standards of full-back play which have never since been consistently equalled for the club. It's not really clear why he didn't receive full international honours, although he regularly represented England at A level. Catling still occupies a special place in the memories of all those who regularly watched Gloucester in the early years of professionalism

The 29-year-old lock, who can also play at blindside flanker or number eight, took an unconventional route to the top and developed his craft in Australia before spending seven years at Leicester. He was desperately unlucky not to win a full cap for England during a successful period at Welford Road, where he was called up five times. He's now still rucking away down at Gloucester after being part of a transfer that saw Jonny May go the other way.

Arguably one of the most under-appreciated players in the Gallagher Premiership amassing nearly 200 caps in a tough Saracens backrow. Wray’s performances have been so impressive that he has managed to fit the enormous hole left by an injured Billy Vunipola with decent effect in recent seasons.

The reliable lock was forced to retire with a neck injury at the age of 33. He played all of his professional rugby for Wasps, making his first of 259 appearances in 1999 and going on to win four Premiership titles and a Heineken Cup.