Here is our alternative England XV made up of players who were unlucky to miss out on Eddie Jones’ squad for the summer tour to South Africa.
There were always going to be some tough calls and with competition for places fiercer than ever before, a number of classy players have been left disappointed
We pick a team out of those players unlucky to miss out…
Fullback: JASON WOODWARD (Gloucester)
A revelation for Gloucester this season, Jason Woodward has combined fast feet with a cool playmaking head to give defenders nightmares week-in-week-out. The former Hurricanes star has been tearing up the Premiership this season and has been treating the Kingsholm faithful to some pretty sensational trickery from fullback. It is a real shock to see the 27-year-old left out, given the inclusion of others.
Winger: CHRISTIAN WADE (Wasps)
The international wilderness is the most frustrating limbo in sport and this speedster has been trapped in there for far too long. Wade scored 18 tries in 25 appearances for Wasps last season and scored another 14 this term so far. Very rarely is a player that did nothing wrong in their first game and has shown consistent form at club level ignored, but Wade is definitely one.
Centre: BILLY TWELVETREES (Gloucester)
The Cherry and Whites centre played an influential role in helping his side reach the Challenge Cup final. It’s surprising his name hasn’t at leasy been mentioned more in regards to an international recall.
Centre: PIERS FRANCIS (Northampton Saints)
He’s not had a great season, but when you consider he did a very good job in Argentina last summer it’s a little bit of a surprise that he has not been selecte for the tour. He will attend the training camp in Brighton nevertheless and could face the Barbarians.
Winger: OLLY WOODBURN (Exeter Chiefs)
In-form Exeter wing Woodburn has been snubbed by England once again. Despite notching tries for fun last season, he was overlooked for the tour to Argentina and remains outside of Jones’ plans once again this time around.