England rugby squad LIVE: World Cup announcement reaction as Steve Borthwick leaves out Henry Slade

Experienced centre Henry Slade has been left out of England’s Rugby World Cup squad as the shock omission from Steve Borthwick’s 33-player selection named on Monday morning.

Slade had featured in 33 of England’s 37 internationals since the 2019 tournament and had hoped to feature at a third World Cup, but finds himself left out with Joe Marchant favoured at outside centre.

Rookie hooker Theo Dan, who earned his first cap against Wales, is an eye-catching inclusion in the front row, but there is no place for his fellow debutants in Cardiff, with both Tom Pearson and Tom Willis squeezed out of the back row.

With Alex Dombrandt, who has started every England Test this year, omitted alongside the younger Willis brother, it leaves Borthwick without specialist No 8 back-up for Billy Vunipola, who is still working his way back from a knee issue and is yet to feature under the England head coach. Versatile back-rowers Ben Earl and Lewis Ludlam are preferred, with Jack Willis, Tom Curry and vice-captain Courtney Lawes completing the back-row options in the squad.

Follow all the updates and reaction below:

England Rugby World Cup 2023 squad

• Steve Borthwick announces Rugby World Cup 2023 squad

• Henry Slade misses out on 33-man squad, with Joe Marchant preferred in the centres

• Dismal England left reeling by Wales in Rugby World Cup warm-up

Steve Borthwick discusses his selection dilemmas

12:29 , Luke Baker

Steve Borthwick has discussed his selection dilemmas after naming his 33-man squad for the Rugby World Cup, including the decision to drop Henry Slade.

“There have been a number of difficult decisions,” said Borthwick. “Quality players will miss out. Henry has been tremendous throughout the training camp. He is disappointed but we know there will be changes. There will be bumps and bruises so everyone needs to be ready to go.

“It was a personal conversation and I share my thoughts on the decision-making process. There are good players competing in his position. We were always going to have three players in key positions – that means in other areas of the team you need positional flexibility.

“Henry and all the players were disappointed. They all worked incredibly hard and were disappointed. But each one will be ready to go.”

England squad gathers at Twickenham

11:58 , Luke Baker

So now the 33-man England squad is known, they’ve all gathered at Twickenham for photos. A real ‘kids mucking about on school photo day’ vibe at Rugby HQ with headmaster Borthwick then heading off to give a press conference

Steve Borthwick to discuss Rugby World Cup squad selection

11:00 , Luke Baker

A reminder that Steve Borthwick will speak to the world’s media to discuss his 33-man Rugby World Cup squad at 11.15am. The RFU will be live streaming his press conference, so you can watch along here:

Rugby World Cup 2023 latest odds

10:45 , Jack Rathborn

Odds via Betfair

• France 13/5

• New Zealand 13/5

• South Africa 4/1

• Ireland 5/1

• England 9/1

• Australia 10/1

• Argentina 22/1

• Wales 35/1

• Scotland 40/1

• Fiji 150/1

• Japan 200/1

• Tonga 400/1

• Samoa 425/1

• Italy 500/1

• Georgia 500/1

• Namibia 500/1

• Romania 500/1

• Uruguay 500/1

• Chile 500/1

• Portugal 500/1

Steve Borthwick hopes ‘clarity’ helps push England on

10:37 , Jack Rathborn

“We believe that announcing the squad a little earlier than otherwise might have been the case, brings clarity and certainty to the group,” Borthwick added.

“[It’s] allowing the players as much time as possible to settle and develop as a squad.”

Steve Borthwick reacts to naming Rugby World Cup squad

10:30 , Jack Rathborn

“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 in this exciting tournament.

“There have been a number of very difficult selection decisions to make, given the quality of our wider training squad. Some very good players have missed out on selection, such has been the competition for places over the last eight weeks and more of preparation.

“As Saturday’s game in Cardiff proved, we have a series of demanding Test matches through August as we continue that preparation towards our opening Rugby World Cup pool game against an in-form Argentina side.”

Origins of England’s Rugby World Cup squad

10:15 , Luke Baker

A nice video from the RFU saluting all those selected and listing the grassroots clubs they started playing rugby with. A lovely nod to the community game.

Henry Slade stunningly left out as England name 33-man Rugby World Cup squad

10:04 , Luke Baker

Experienced centre Henry Slade has been left out of England’s Rugby World Cup squad as the shock omission from Steve Borthwick’s 33-player selection.

Slade had featured in 33 of England’s 37 internationals since the 2019 tournament and had hoped to feature at a third World Cup, but finds himself left out with Joe Marchant favoured at outside centre.

Rookie hooker Theo Dan, who earned his first cap against Wales, is an eye-catching inclusion in the front row, but there is no place for his fellow debutants in Cardiff, with both Tom Pearson and Tom Willis squeezed out of the back row.

With Alex Dombrandt, who has started every England test this year, omitted alongside the younger Willis brother, it leaves Borthwick without specialist No 8 back-up for Billy Vunipola, who is still working his way back from a knee issue and is yet to feature under the England head coach.

Versatile back-rowers Ben Earl and Lewis Ludlam are preferred, with Jack Willis, Tom Curry and vice-captain Courtney Lawes completing the back row options in the squad.

Henry Slade stunningly left out as England name Rugby World Cup squad

England announce Rugby World Cup squad

10:03 , Luke Baker

Here’s the full squad - Borthwick has gone for 19-14 backs-to-forwards split for his 33-man group.

England’s official 2023 Rugby World Cup squad

Forwards (19)

Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 9 caps)

Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 100 caps)***

Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 45 caps)*

Theo Dan (Saracens, 1 cap)

Ben Earl (Saracens, 15 caps)

Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 49 caps)*

Jamie George (Saracens, 77 caps)**

Maro Itoje (Saracens, 67 caps)*

Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 97 caps)***

Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 20 caps)*

Joe Marler (Harlequins, 79 caps)**

George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)

David Ribbans (Toulon, 6 caps)

Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 3 caps)

Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)*

Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 26 caps)

Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 68 caps) **

Jack Walker (Harlequins, 3 caps)

Jack Willis (Toulouse, 10 caps)

Backs (14)

Henry Arundell (Racing 92, 7 caps)

Danny Care (Harlequins, 88 caps)*

Elliot Daly (Saracens, 57 caps)*

Owen Farrell (Saracens, 106 caps)**

George Ford (Sale Sharks, 82 caps)**

Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 11 caps)

Max Malins (Bristol Bears, 19 caps)

Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 16 caps)

Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 22 caps)

Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 23 caps)

Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 51 caps)**

Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 13 caps)

Anthony Watson (unattached, 55 caps)**

Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 122 caps)***

*denotes number of Rugby World Cup tournaments played

England reveal Rugby World Cup 2023 squad

10:00 , Luke Baker

And here is the official England squad for next month’s Rugby World Cup. As expected, Henry Slade is shockingly omitted with Joe Marchant selected among the centres instead.

Billy Vunipola is also the only specialist No 8 in the 33-man squad. Tom Willis misses out, so Lewis Ludlam and Ben Earl will provide the cover should something happen to Vunipola.

England Rugby World Cup squad

09:57 , Luke Baker

Only about five minutes until the England squad is officially announced with Henry Slade and Tom Willis set to miss out.

We’ll have official confirmation once it lands and Steve Borthwick will then explain his choices to the press at 11.15am

Adam Hastings one of four cut from Scotland pre-World Cup squad

09:50 , Jack Rathborn

Gloucester stand-off Adam Hastings is among four players to have been cut from Scotland’s pre-World Cup training squad as Gregor Townsend streamlines his pool ahead of the global showpiece in France.

The head coach named a 41-man provisional group three months ago and that has now been trimmed to 37, with Stafford McDowall, Cameron Henderson and Kyle Rowe - all of whom have one cap to their name - also part of the cull just five weeks before the tournament gets under way.

Hastings - with 27 caps - is the most established of the quartet to leave the group although he has been troubled by injury, allowing new Edinburgh stand-off Ben Healy to jump ahead of him in the pecking order for a place in the squad as Finn Russell’s understudy.

The Scotland squad flew to France on Sunday to stay at their World Cup base near Nice before they travel north to Saint-Etienne for their next warm-up match against France on Saturday.

Townsend must make further big decisions over the next week-and-a-half, with another four players set to be cut loose when he names his final 33-man squad on Wednesday, August 16.

The head coach has already lost Stuart Hogg from his initial squad after the veteran full-back announced his retirement last month, while he faces an anxious wait to learn the extent of Zander Fagerson’s suspension after the Glasgow prop was sent off in Saturday’s 25-21 win over the French at Murrayfield.

Further clouding the waters ahead of the final selection, scrum-half Ben White is having an ankle injury assessed after he limped off in clear discomfort on Saturday, while Jamie Ritchie has played no part in either of the two warm-up matches so far due to a calf issue. The captain is hoping to get some game time in France this weekend or at home to Georgia two weeks later.

Jack van Poortvliet on England World Cup spot and Danny Care lessons

09:40 , Jack Rathborn

“It’s something that obviously will probably be in the back of everyone’s minds, I think. If I’m lucky enough to be picked, it will be an absolute dream come true,” Van Poortvliet told Sky Sports.

“It’s been awesome. Obviously I was really lucky to have Wiggy [Richard Wigglesworth] and Lenny [Ben Youngs] to learn off at Leicester, and now to have Danny [Care] and Lenny to work off and learn off here, to push and compete with, it’s unbelievable.

“The big thing I’ve been picking up from with Danny is that scanning and being lively around the ruck and things like that. He’s obviously a brilliant livewire around the ruck, and we know how threatening he is in attack. So there’s some bits I’ve been trying to always be a sponge off him and learn from him.”

All Blacks name 33-man Rugby World Cup squad

09:30 , Jack Rathborn

Hookers (3): Dane Coles (Hurricanes), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs) Codie Taylor (Crusaders)Props (6): Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), Nepo Laulala (Blues), Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes), Fletcher Newell (Crusaders), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Blues), Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders)

Locks (4): Scott Barrett (Crusaders), Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs) Sam Whitelock (Crusaders)Loose forwards (5): Sam Cane (Chiefs) (captain), Shannon Frizell (Highlanders), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs), Dalton Papalii (Blues), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes)

Halfbacks (3): Finlay Christie (Blues), Cam Roigard (Hurricanes), Aaron Smith (Highlanders)First fives (3): Beauden Barrett (Blues), Damian McKenzie (Chiefs), Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders)

Midfielders (4): Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), David Havili (Crusaders), Rieko Ioane (Blues), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs)Outside backs (5): Caleb Clarke (Blues), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders), Will Jordan (Crusaders), Emoni Narawa (Chiefs), Mark Telea (Blues)

Caelan Doris stars but Ireland left with injury concerns after Italy win

09:20 , Luke Baker

While England have plenty of concerns, the world’s best side and one of the big favourites for France have run into some trouble of their own.

Ireland will be anxious over a number of fitness doubts ahead of the big dance.

Jack Conan suffered an injury scare as Ireland launched their Rugby World Cup warm-up fixtures by easing to a 33-17 win over Italy in Dublin.

Back-rower Conan departed the field shortly before half-time and was later pictured in a protective boot on the bench.

Caelan Doris stars but Ireland left with injury concerns after Italy win

Who’s on the plane? England Rugby World Cup squad prediction

09:10 , Jack Rathborn

BACKS (14)

Scrum half (3): Jack van Poortvliet, Danny Care, Ben Youngs

Just as at tighthead, no choice to be made here, with Borthwick signposting his intention to take three nines when slimming his squad down earlier in the summer. An emphasis on game control and a kick-pressure strategy is perhaps reflected in the chosen three: Ben Youngs and Danny Care bring oodles of experience while Jack van Poortvliet is the furthest along of the next generation in that regard.

Fly half (3): Owen Farrell (captain), George Ford, Marcus Smith

Fly half is another position where Borthwick has shown his hand, suggesting on Thursday that all three of his squad members will make the 33. England have three fine playmakers at their disposal – Owen Farrell produced some of the best rugby of his career for Saracens last season and is a certain starter after being appointed captain.

England Rugby World Cup squad predictions: Who will Borthwick select?

Warren Gatland: I’d start Marcus Smith - he can be England’s superstar

09:00 , Jack Rathborn

“My decision not to select Marcus Smith in my original British and Irish Lions squad for South Africa remains one of my burning regrets from the 2021 tour,” Warren Gatland says in his Telegraph column.

“I should have held my nerve, backed my instinct. Smith was one of the main points for discussion during our selection meeting. I am not watching England’s training every day and not privy to how the players are performing, but looking from the outside, I would be starting him.

“I think the game of rugby and home need superstars - it needs guys like that kids want to emulate and buy their shirts. I hope he does go on to have a great career – as long as it is not against Wales!”

Sir Clive Woodward rips into ‘ragged’ England

08:50 , Jack Rathborn

“There can be no doubt that this was one of the poorest games I’ve ever seen England play,” Sir Clive Woodward said in his Mail column.

“It was ragged, disjointed, lacking accuracy and on the whole, well below par. There were errors everywhere.

“The biggest disappointment from an English perspective was the set-piece. For all the team’s recent struggles across the board, England’s scrum and line-out are normally very good. But in Cardiff, they were nowhere near the standard required to win international matches. In Test rugby, the set-piece is everything and England weren’t at the races.”

England defeat will be a ‘positive’, claims Steve Borthwick

08:40 , Jack Rathborn

Speaking to Amazon Prime, Steve Borthwick added: “The positive is how many entries we got into the opposition 22 and into their scoring zone.

“I thought in the first half we created a lot of opportunities but turned over too much ball in the opposition 22.

“You can’t do that in Test rugby, so immediately there are some areas for improvement.”

Lewis Ludlam admits it’s ‘hard to not think about it’ World Cup waiting game

08:30 , Jack Rathborn

Lewis Ludlam admits it is “hard to not think about it” as the selection waiting game for England‘s World Cup hopefuls nears its conclusion.

England head coach Steve Borthwick will name his 33-strong World Cup squad on Monday morning.

It follows an opening tournament warm-up performance against Wales that badly misfired, with some World Cup prospects undoubtedly falling by the wayside as Warren Gatland’s team triumphed 20-9 in Cardiff.

Northampton captain Ludlam’s performance was among the few highlights, delivering a trademark display that bristled with intent and purpose, while an ability to cover all three back-row positions makes him a priceless asset for Borthwick.

“I tried my hardest and that is all you can ask for,” said Ludlam, who made England‘s final World Cup cut for Japan four years ago. It has been brilliant, the amount of competition we’ve had in the back-row over the past six weeks.

“We have learnt a lot from each other and there has been some healthy competition as well. It’s a tough decision to make. Like I say, the competition is so good and that has been a real positive this campaign.

“It has really pushed us all on and you can’t be too comfortable in this environment with so many good back-rowers coming through. It (World Cup selection) might be at the back of a lot of people’s minds, it is hard to not think about it.”

Kyle Sinckler not taking World Cup call as a given

08:20 , Jack Rathborn

Kyle Sinckler insists missing out on Lions selection was like being dumped by a girlfriend in an experience that has left him uncertain of his place in England‘s World Cup squad.

Sinckler is set to be picked in Steve Borthwick’s 33-man group that is announced on Monday morning with little doubt over his inclusion given he is first choice tighthead prop.

But the 30-year-old refuses to assume he will take part in his second World Cup after he was excluded from Warren Gatland’s British and Irish Lions squad in 2021 despite being considered a certainty to tour South Africa.

Andrew Porter was picked by Gatland, only for the Ireland front row to be ruled out by a toe injury, offering Sinckler a reprieve.

“The Lions experience taught me never to... I can’t really find another word for ‘granted’ because I don’t want to say I took it for granted... but I was like, ‘I’ve got a pretty good shot here’. And I ended up missing out on the squad,” Sinckler said.

“I was absolutely devastated and I was like, ‘I’m never going to have that little voice in my head ever saying ‘You’ll be all right’.

“That experience in itself was just crazy. Because obviously I initially didn’t make the squad and then you come to terms with that, you wish the boys the best of luck and you are focused on what you need to do.

“Then unfortunately for Andrew, he picked up an injury and that means I’m in - just as I was getting over it.

“It was like an ex dumping you and just as you’re getting over it all of a sudden she wants you back. You’re messing with my head! So it was a strange one.

“It’s about having that humility and respect for the game because rugby can humble you very quickly.”

Who’s on the plane? England Rugby World Cup squad prediction

08:11 , Jack Rathborn

FORWARDS (19)

Loosehead props (3): Ellis Genge (vice-captain), Joe Marler, Bevan Rodd

Omitted: Mako Vunipola (injury)

Mako Vunipola is thought to be unlikely to be fit for the World Cup after being sent back to Saracens to rehab, creating room for Bevan Rodd in the 33. Vice-captain Ellis Genge is a certain starter as one of England’s few consistently excellent performers over the last few years and Joe Marler’s set-piece nous is highly valued by Steve Borthwick.

Who’s on the plane? England Rugby World Cup squad prediction

Who’s on the plane? England Rugby World Cup squad prediction

07:45 , Jack Rathborn

After a sloppy performance in defeat against Wales, Steve Borthwick and the rest of the England coaching staff convened in a Cardiff hotel on Saturday evening to choose their final 33-player squad for the Rugby World Cup.

Borthwick has elected to name his selection early, three weeks ahead of the deadline, to give his players clarity and time to build cohesion ahead of the tournament, with England lagging behind many of the world’s best sides.

The chosen 33 will assemble at Twickenham on Monday morning. Here’s a look at the squad that Borthwick could select.

Who’s on the plane? England Rugby World Cup squad prediction

England suffer Wales setback ahead of Rugby World Cup 2023 squad announcement

07:21 , Jack Rathborn

England to announce Rugby World Cup 2023 squad

07:12 , Jack Rathborn

Good morning and welcome to the Independent’s live coverage of England’s announcement for their Rugby World Cup 2023 squad.

It’s a massive day for Steve Borthwick, who has made some tough calls over the last 24 hours.

There will be several disappointed players, denied the chance to shine on the big stage in France.

And after defeat to Wales last weekend, Borthwick is under pressure to quickly pick up momentum in the remaining warm-up games.

Follow for live updates and build-up, a full squad list and reaction to the news later this morning.

Three England players who boosted World Cup hopes

08:18 , Jack Rathborn

England suffered a dismal loss to Wales, yet PA Sport takes a look at three players who boosted their chances of being included in today’s squad:

Lewis Ludlam

England‘s most effective forward in Cardiff by a significant margin, carrying with intent and disruptive at the breakdown. Started at blindside flanker against Wales but covers all three back-row positions, including number eight where Alex Dombrandt once again proved unable to stamp his authority on a Test. Factor in his leadership and defensive steel and the Northampton captain could be a valuable asset at the World Cup, having travelled to Japan four years ago as a bolter.

Joe Marchant

Of all England‘s players on display at the Principality Stadium, it was Marchant who seized the opportunity to show Borthwick why he should be included in the squad announced on Monday. The dynamic 27-year-old provided pace and sharp running lines to an attack that showed signs of life in the first half before crumbling amid a host of handling errors. Marchant’s 16 caps have largely been hit and miss, but he offers something different and covers wing as well as centre.

Joe Cokanasiga

Although hardly a stellar display, there was enough on show from Cokanasiga to suggest he could make an impact at the World Cup. The Bath wing of Fijian heritage hunted for the ball and punched holes in the home defence and while his rugby instincts may fail to match his athleticism, his power would be an X-factor asset to England‘s backline. Vulnerable defensively at times and can be targeted with a clever kicking game, but his key tackle on Louis Rees-Zammit was an important moment.