"No Guscott or Greenwood" - Will Carling selects controversial all-time England XV

Friday, 05 May 2023 at 11:03

byRugby Rucker

Will Carling, the former England rugby captain, has revealed his dream team comprising the best players from five different decades in his country's rugby history.

The centre, who earned 72 caps for England from 1988 to 1997 and led the team in 59 of those matches, played alongside several outstanding players during his career.

He captained England to three Grand Slam victories in the Five Nations and led them to the 1991 Rugby World Cup final.

Despite his long history with the sport, Carling's dream team features several current players, five of whom are still active in international rugby.

England Rugby's Twitter page shared Carling's selections.

Will Carling's all-time England XV

BACK-THREE:

Anthony Watson of England during the England Rugby Captains Run ahead of the Six Nations Match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium, London on 24 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

15. Anthony Watson

14. Rory Underwood

11. Jason Robinson

CENTRES:

13. Henry Slade

12. Manu Tuilagi

Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

HALFBACKS:

10. Jonny Wilkinson

9. Matt Dawson

FRONT-ROW:

1. Jason Leonard

2. Jamie George

3. Phil Vickery

SECOND-ROW:

4. Maro Itoje

5. Martin Johnson

Maro Itoje of the Saracens during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Saracens at the Recreation Ground on 17 Oct. Photo: Steve Haag/PPAUK