Slade set for SHOCK exclusion from England's 33-man World Cup squad

Henry Slade set for SHOCK exclusion from England’s 33-man World Cup squad as Steve Borthwick set to name Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence as midfield contingent

  • Slade is set to be shock omission from England’s Rugby World Cup squad
  • Alex Dimbrant is also likely to be left out of Steve Borthwick’s selection
  •  England’s squad will include several players who are in recovery mode

Henry Slade is set to be the shock omission when England head coach Steve Borthwick announces his 33-man squad for the World Cup.

The 30-year-old Exeter centre is one of the most established backs and was widely regarded as a certainty to make the cut for the tournament in France. 

However, it is understood that he will miss out, with Joe Marchant – who will join Stade Francais in Paris after the World Cup – expected to be preferred as one of the midfield contingent, along with Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence.

Elsewhere, Borthwick is likely to leave out Quins No 8 Alex Dombrandt, as Ben Earl of Saracens is destined to be picked in the highly-competitive back five area of the pack. 

David Ribbans is understood to be one of the chosen locks, along with Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum and George Martin.

Henry Slade is set to be left out of England coach Steve Borthwick’s World Cup squad

Borthwick is likely to leave out Quins No 8 Alex Dombrandt due to competition

Manu Tuilagi is set to be preferred to Dombrandt as one of the midfield options

There has been similarly intense competition in the back three and Henry Arundell – who was not on duty against Wales in Cardiff – is thought to have been included by Borthwick, who recognises the need for his express pace as an X-factor asset. 

The former London Irish wing, who will join Racing 92 in Paris after the World Cup, is set to be named ahead of veteran Jonny May and Bath giant Joe Cokanasiga. 

Elliot Daly, Max Malins and Anthony Watson are also World Cup-bound.

England’s squad will include several players who are in recovery mode. 

Billy Vunipola and Ollie Lawrence are striving for full fitness, Chessum has been having intense rehab following a serious ankle injury and hooker Jack Walker is due to be chosen as he nears a return from a calf problem. 

Stalwart flanker Tom Curry is also hampered by an ankle injury but is expected to be fully fit again within a fortnight.

Borthwick and his assistant coaches held a final selection meeting at their hotel in Cardiff Bay on Saturday night and the World Cup squad will be officially named on Monday morning.

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