Henry Slade has been dropped from England’s Rugby World Cup squad in the major shock from Steve Borthwick’s 33-man selection.
Alex Dombrandt represents the other big omission, with head coach Steve Borthwick opting to take just one specialist No 8 to France in Billy Vunipola.
Exeter centre Slade has been a mainstay with England since his 2015 debut, and proved a vital cog in the Red Rose men’s run to the 2019 World Cup final.
Joe Marchant has been preferred instead however, with the ex-Harlequin offering extra pace and the ability to operate on the wing.
Borthwick’s decision to take three fly-halves in captain Owen Farrell, George Ford and Marcus Smith has ultimately left no room for Slade when twinned with the England boss’ decisions elsewhere.
“Rugby World Cups involve unique challenges in terms of the demands on players, the need for squad flexibility and the limited number of squad places available,” said Borthwick.
“France 2023 is no different, but I am confident we have selected a squad of 33 that is well able to meet those challenges and leave us best placed to be at our most competitive.
“There have been a number of very difficult selection decisions to make. Some very good players have missed out on selection such has been the competition for places.”
England will start their World Cup campaign against Argentina in Marseille on Saturday, September 9.
England’s centre selections will either prove a straight power game pairing of Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence, or Elliot Daly could offer ingenuity and pace at 13.
Ollie Chessum and George Martin offer power and depth at tighthead lock, while Saracens hooker Theo Dan has made the cut after his debut off the bench in Saturday’s 20-9 defeat by Wales in Cardiff.
Joe Cokanasiga and Jonny May have missed out from the wing cordon, while flankers Tom Pearson and Tom Willis have also failed to win selection.
England World Cup squad in full
Forwards: O Chessum, D Cole, T Curry, T Dan, B Earl, E Genge, J George, M Itoje, C Lawes, L Ludlam, J Marler, G Martin, D Ribbans, B Rodd, K Sinckler, W Stuart, B Vunipola, J Walker, J Willis
Backs: H Arundell, D Care, E Daly, O Farrell, G Ford, O Lawrence, M Malins, J Marchant, M Smith, F Steward, M Tuilagi, J Van Poortvliet, A Watson, B Youngs.
