After the 2019 Rugby World Cup final loss, coupled with the realisation of England's aging squad, the journalists at The Telegraph handpicked emerging and lesser-utilised young players at Eddie Jones' disposal.
#1. Josh Hodge (Exeter Chiefs)
They wrote: "One of England’s most exciting upcoming talents, the fullback is built in the same mould as All Black Damian Mckenzie.
"Safe under the high ball and blessed with incredible pace, expect him to play a key role for Newcastle Falcons on their return to the Premiership. Hopefully he’ll then be in a place to make a bid for international honours."
Status: Uncapped
Where is he now? Has since joined Exeter Chiefs, but will be looking to take a more central role next season following the retirement of Stuart Hogg
#2. Jack Maunder
They wrote: "A lot of the English scrum-halves are ageing, meaning this is a direct choice between the Exeter Chiefs man and Ben Vellacott.
"However, his emergence as a premier playmaker in such a short space of time makes us think he will continue to get better, which will lead to him establishing himself in the England set-up."
Status: Still only has one cap
Where is he now? Has signed a one-year contract with Super Rugby side Melbourne Rebels after being released by Exeter Chiefs
Maunder heads down under following 149 appearances for the Exeter Chiefs over seven memorable years playing in England.
#3. Joe Marchant
They wrote: "A black belt in karate and also a former England schools finalist in gymnastics which would suggest the centre is blessed with power and poise!
Has been involved in Eddie Jones's squad in the build-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and is someone we'd expect to step up heading into the 2021 Six Nations when he returns from Super Rugby and beyond.""
Status: In the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad
Where is he now? Joins Stade Francais from Harlequins this summer, which means he will no longer be available for England after the Rugby World Cup
#4. Joel Kpoku
They wrote: "The next star off the Saracens production line may be Kpoku, although the lock has been linked with a move to Northampton Saints due to the presence of Itoje, George Kruis and Nick Isiekwe at his current club.
"An incredibly hard-hitting carrier in the mould of Eben Etzebeth, a selection in the coming months would not be surprising."
Status: Uncapped
Where is he now? Finding his game time limited, he left Saracens in 2021 to sign with Top 14 side Lyon
Where is he now?
#5. Marcus Smith
They wrote: "Smith's rapid rise shows no signs of slowing down – it took barely a year for him to go from captaining Brighton College in an unbeaten season to involvement in the senior England squad.
"Therefore, it's not unthinkable that he'll be leading England's bid to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for a second time."
Status: In the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad
Where is he now? Recently signing a new deal with Harlequins, Smith looks set to star for England for years to come
Where is he now?
