LIST | Five England stars who deserved more caps

The 2013 British & Irish Lion sensationally quit Wasps in order to pursue a lucrative career in the NFL, having grown disillusioned with rugby union. The winger was one of the most recognised names in the domestic game, but his continued absence from the international set-up – having won just one England cap on the 2013 tour of Argentina – left him frustrated and fed up of continuously being overlooked. What a waste.

The Newcastle and Saracens legend, who made 245 Premiership appearances, won a deserved first England cap against Canada in the Investec Challenge match in 2004 and scored a try as captain. However, shockingly, this would be the only full test cap he’d ever win.

The now pundit for ITV, BT Sport and Channel 5 speaks a very good game but his opportunities at international level were not forthcoming. He won his first full caps as a replacement in the Tests against South Africa on the summer tour in 2000 but never really established himself as the first choice, finding himself behind Graham Rowntree in the pecking order. Winning just eight caps between 2000 and 2002, he’d probably walk into Eddie Jones latest squad.

An England international with four caps to his name, the wing became the Premiership’s all-time leading try-scorer during the 2016/17 campaign when he scored against Harlequins at Ashton Gate. Like Wade, it’s hard to believe he didn’t get more of a chance, scoring three tries in his four test caps.

He was always a fan favourite and narrowly missed out on selection for the 2003 World Cup, despite being involved in the all-conquering England team of the 2002 Autumn Internationals. Although heralded as a potential world-class wing, injury constantly blighted his career and numerous England head coaches looked to other options ahead of him. He ended his career with a pitiful 10 caps.