"Underwhelming" - Sir Clive Woodward slams disappointing England World Cup squad

The England head coach named his 33-man squad for the showpiece event on Monday with Alex Dombrandt and Henry Slade being the two most notable omissions.

Starting off in his latest column for the Mail Online, Woodward wrote: "Borthwick had the chance to excite the nation — not only with the 33 players he picked, but also with the messaging he delivered at Twickenham on Monday."

He continued: "Looking at the reaction to the squad on social media, the overriding verdict was underwhelming. I can sympathise with that view.

"In terms of personnel, the make-up of the squad shows exactly what England fans can expect in France: a direct, physical approach."

Woodward pointed to the same issues as many fans, continuing: "Borthwick has taken a huge risk and left himself wide open for criticism with certain sections of his squad — in midfield and at No 8.

"Slade is an excellent player, but whether or not he is in the squad is not going to define England’s World Cup chances. His absence is a huge call though because without him, Borthwick has named only three out-and-out midfielders.

"They are Tuilagi, Ollie Lawrence and Joe Marchant. My concern is that Farrell will end up covering at No 12 when he is at his best when controlling the team from fly-half.

"Farrell is England’s big hope of a successful World Cup."

He comes from a diverse background, with his mother being Filipino and his father English. As the eldest of three brothers, their family spent seven years in the Philippines before relocating to Singapore. Eventually, they settled in Brighton, England, when Smith was 13 years old. A testament to his roots, he proudly displays a tattoo on his left arm representing his country of birth.

At the age of 14, he underwent a trial with Harlequins, and upon completing his education at 18, he joined the club on a full-time basis. He swiftly found himself in the limelight as he was brought into the Harlequins' first team due to a series of injuries. His debut in the Gallagher Premiership occurred against London Irish at Twickenham in September 2017. Throughout the 2017-18 season, he impressively initiated 18 league matches.

Although he was just a young child when England claimed victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, he still recalls watching the momentous event alongside his father. Among his role models, he counts Jonny Wilkinson, the iconic figure of that triumph, as one of his heroes.

In his journey to becoming a professional rugby player, he has had the privilege of engaging in kicking sessions with none other than Jonny Wilkinson himself.

On 18 May 1991, Tuilagi entered the world in Fogapoa, Samoa. He's the younger sibling of Freddie, Henry, Alesana, Anitelea, and Sanele Vavae Tuilagi, all of whom not only represented Samoa on the international rugby stage but also donned the Leicester jersey.

His name, Manusamoa, reflects his family's deep connection with the Samoan national rugby team, Manu Samoa. This moniker was chosen in honor of his brother Freddie, who secured a place in the Samoan World Cup squad of 1991, coinciding with Manusamoa's birth year.

In pursuit of his rugby dreams and following in the footsteps of his brothers, he journeyed to the UK. In 2004, while residing in Cardiff, he commenced his youth rugby endeavors with Rumney RFC. This coincided with his brother Freddie's tenure with the Cardiff Blues. At the age of 15, he ventured back to Leicester, joining the ranks of the Leicester Tigers academy.

However, a juncture of uncertainty emerged in June 2010 when Tuilagi faced the prospect of deportation from the UK.

This predicament arose upon revelation that he had initially entered the country utilizing a holiday visa six years prior and had subsequently remained in violation of immigration rules. Following a process of appeal, he eventually attained indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Born to Tongan parents in Sydney, Australia, Vunipola's early life took him on a journey to Wales when his father, Feʻao Vunipola, secured a contract with Pontypool RFC in 1998. His formative years were spent in Wales after this relocation, with his family in tow.

His academic pursuits led him through Porth Infants School and Griffithstown Junior School, during which time he showcased his rugby talents with a stint at New Panteg RFC alongside Joe Lane.

As he continued to grow, his path took another turn, leading him to The Castle School in Thornbury, Gloucestershire, England. During this phase, he engaged in junior rugby activities under the banner of Thornbury RFC.

Recognizing his potential, Vunipola's dedication to rugby was acknowledged through a scholarship offer that granted him admission to the prestigious Harrow School. This step marked a significant stride in his rugby journey and education.

Hailing from Scotland, Rodd's upbringing unfolded on the Isle of Man, where he received his education at The Buchan School.

His educational journey then led him to Sedbergh School, and it was during this time that he embarked on his rugby pathway through the ranks of the Sale Sharks academy.

In 2019, his aspirations materialised as he marked his professional debut in a Premiership Rugby Cup match against Northampton Saints, an opportunity that emerged under the guidance of Steve Diamond.

However, it was in the subsequent season, under the joint management of Paul Deacon and Alex Sanderson, that he truly seized the spotlight and experienced his breakthrough moments in the professional rugby arena.

Having originated in South Africa, he represents the England national team on the international rugby stage. Ribbans' roots trace back to Somerset West, situated in the Western Cape region of South Africa.

His qualification to play for England derives from his grandfather, who migrated from Enfield to South Africa many years prior. An interesting anecdote adds to his story: Former England cricketer Allan Lamb bestowed upon Ribbans the nickname "Ribeye" after observing his impressive consumption of four helpings of steak during a barbeque event.

Ribbans' initiation into England's rugby fold transpired in October 2020, when he received his initial call-up to the national training squad. Among a group of 12 players yet to earn their first caps, Ribbans stood out.

His moment on the grand stage came during the 2021 Six Nations tournament, stepping in for his Saints teammate Courtney Lawes, who encountered a pectoral injury in training.

Arundell shared with the Daily Mail, "My mother served as a nurse in the military, while my father held the rank of colonel in the Rifles. I came into this world in Dhekelia, the former RAF base that has since been closed down.

"I spent two years of my early life in Cyprus before our family began to traverse due to my father's military assignments. Our journey led us to Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and even America. Embracing these various locations, with their unique atmospheres, was an enriching experience."

In terms of his career influences, he attributes the lion's share of credit to his parents.