The 2027 Rugby World Cup is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for England's national team, with the squad currently in flux. After a promising start, recent defeats and performances have left the team in a state of uncertainty. Here's a breakdown of the current situation, with a focus on the players who are in, out, or on the bubble.
Bankers:
Maro Itoje, despite a dip in form, is an almost certain starter as captain. Ollie Chessum and Ben Earl are also in strong positions, with Chessum's solid performances and Earl's work ethic earning him favor. The scrum-half position is up for grabs, with Alex Mitchell and Ellis Genge both in contention, while Tommy Freeman, despite England's struggles, remains a key player.
Probables:
Fin Smith is seen as the future, but his Lions experience has been challenging. George Ford's role is uncertain, while Joe Heyes and Alex Coles have stood out in the championship. Tom Curry, despite a dip in form, is likely to be retained, and Guy Pepper, despite recent struggles, has a bright future.
Maybes:
George Martin and Ben Curry are on the periphery, with injuries hampering their chances. Ollie Lawrence and Fraser Dingwall are also in contention, with Lawrence's versatility and Dingwall's midfield skills offering options. George Furbank and Marcus Smith's roles are uncertain, with Furbank's versatility a potential advantage.
Long Shots:
Henry Arundell, Henry Slade, and Elliot Daly are talented but may not make the cut. Raffi Quirke and Theo Dan need to step up, while Max Ojomoh's defensive concerns could be a barrier. Seb Atkinson, despite his qualities, is running out of time.
Outside Looking In:
Trevor Davison and Immanuel Iyogun are injury cover, while Billy Sela and Arthur Clark are yet to be given a chance. Adam Radwan, Oscar Beard, and Curtis Langdon are unlikely to make the final squad.
Bolters:
With England's aerial game under scrutiny, Noah Caluori could be fast-tracked. Benhard Janse van Rensburg, eligible in November, is a potential addition. Hoskins Sotutu, already eligible, could make his debut in the summer. Joe Marchant and Kepu Tuipulotu are also in the frame, with Owen Farrell's return to Saracens a potential boost for the team's standards.
