Henry Slade is likely to miss his Rugby World Cup spot as England squad announcement looms
The Exeter Chiefs playmaker has 56 caps and is a former England vice-captain but was apparently not selected by head coach Steve Borthwick.
Slade, 30, has been a mainstay of the England side since his debut in 2015 and proved an integral part of the Red Rose’s run to the 2019 World Cup Final.
However, now it is expected that Joe Marchant will win the bid ahead of Slade as England look for more pace in the channels.
Marchant, who is moving to the Stade Francais, can also operate comfortably on the wing, increasing England’s versatility on the flank.
England’s decision to take all three wingers of captain Owen Farrell, George Ford and Marcus Smith to France could also have been a factor.
Farrell’s ability to operate inside center may have reduced the need for Slade’s playing ability in boss Borthwick’s eyes.
Henry Arundell was due to be used on the touchline while Gloucester’s Jonny May is absent on the wing.
The Saracens’ powerful striker Ben Earl looks set to secure a place in the back row, while the Harlequins’ Alex Dombrandt is now likely to miss out on a spot in the 33-man squad.
England begin their World Cup season on Saturday 9 September with a game against Argentina in Marseille.
Possible England Rugby World Cup squad
Forward: E Genge, J Marler, B Rodd, J George, J Walker, T Dan, K Sinckler, D Cole, W Stuart, M Itoje, O Chessum, G Martin, D Ribbans, C Lawes, L Ludlam, T Curry, J Willis , B Earl, B Vunipola.
backs: B. Youngs, D. Care, J. van Poortvliet, O. Farrell, G. Ford, M. Smith, M. Tuilagi, O. Lawrence, J. Marchant, A. Watson, E. Daly, M. Malins, H .Arundell, F. Steward.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/rugby/england-rugby-world-cup-2023-squad-henry-slade-b1098959.html Henry Slade is likely to miss his Rugby World Cup spot as England squad announcement looms
