The Future of English Rugby – 2019 World Cup

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In the coming weeks there will be an investigation into English Rugby after their truly dire performances at their home World Cup and multiple changes should and will occur. It’s not just the coaching staff who are under severe pressure but also the players and that is why we need to look forward to the future stars of the game and start developing them immediately. With Japan 2019 just four years away here is the side that I believe could lead England to glory.

1.Mako Vunipola – 28 (in 2019)

In four years time Vunipola should be set to make the big jump from impact substitute to starting prop and England will be relying on him. The Sarries man already has 27 caps to his name and is a British and Irish Lion so he should be one of the leaders come 2019.

2.Jamie George – 29

George was unbelievably unlucky not to get more game time during this World Cup as he was the standout English hooker in the Aviva Premiership last season and will only improve. The Saracens hooker is not only strong in the loose but a brilliant thrower too, something English rugby has been missing in recent times.

3.Kieran Brookes – 29

Dan Cole was a brilliant servant to English rugby but in 2019 he will be 32 and for me should be replaced by KB. Brookes has impressed in the majority of his 15 caps to date and his recent move to Saints will only further his career and will add competition for places with the promising Waller brothers.

4.Joe Launchbury – 28

One of the easiest decisions in the squad is the inclusion of Joe Launchbury. The Wasps man rarely does anything too flashy on the field but you know he will be working his ass off doing the basics and winning set piece ball. A class act who if he avoids injury will be an England great.

5.Maro Iotje – 24

Many are tipping Itoje to be England captain in the not too distant future and I can believe it with him already taking those honours at Saracens despite being just 20 years old. Itoje is versatile with his ability to play in the back row and looks the obvious man to replace Courtney Lawes.

6.Sam Burgess – 30

Exeter have been a class outfit for the last couple of seasons and the man in their number six shirt has had a lot to do with that. Dave Ewers is extremely unlucky to miss out but Sam Burgess just has too much potential. I have my doubts about if he will still be in Union but if he is then I think he could cause havoc from flanker!

7.Matt Kvesic – 27

The German born flanker is a player I have watched closely over the last year or two and is one for the future. He is improving every week and offers a more expansive game than the current options. Another string to his bow is that he can effect turnovers and he would be my captain for this side too.

8.Nathan Hughes – 28

Without a doubt the easiest selection of the lot. Billy Vunipola can be on the bench but Hughes has to start. The Fijian born powerhouse is nothing short of superb and I would get him in an England jersey the second he qualifies. The Wasps man puts in a huge shift week in, week out regularly scooping the man of the match award and he has a very bright future.

9. Joe Simpson – 31

There were a couple of Wasps boys I was tempted by here in Joe Simpson and Dan Robson and have gone with the former. Until a late injury ruled him out of contention Simpson was very close to be included this time around after an injury free and superb season for Wasps. His pace is electrifying and his decision making keeps improving, with Robson off the bench they will be an exciting combination.

10. George Ford – 26

It is utterly laughable that this man was dropped for the game against the Welsh which effectively cost England qualification and a shot at the World Cup. Ford is the player you can build a team and game plan around and he will be an England great I am sure of that.

11. Jack Nowell – 26

Everytime the Exeter man has been given a job to do he has passed with flying colours and the man knows how to find the try line. When he first came onto the scene I wasn’t the biggest fan but with age on his side I have him just ahead of Jonny May come 2019 with his defence and intelligence giving him the upper hand.

12. Henry Slade – 26

I don’t need to harp on again how much I rate this boy but it is fair to say there was always going to be a spot for him in my side. If I was Rob Baxter I would be training and playing him at 12 ready to take on the mantle for England. The boy can do everything and will go a very long way I am sure of that.

13. Jonathan Joseph – 28

JJ is the current star of the English rugby team and is another who will only improve further. I am aware it is not the biggest team but we have tried that and it failed miserably. At the end of the day if you score more points than the opposition then you win and this side will do that. If he avoids injury then Joseph will be an England great.

14. Christian Wade – 28

There are questions over his defence which are justified but Bryan Habana had the same when he started out and he has done alright. Wade is a match winner, a game changer and a sensational footballer. There is no match for out and out pace which Wade has in abundance. Another one of the impressive 2011 Junior World Championship side.

15. Anthony Watson – 25

To have amounted 15 caps before turning 22 means you are special and Watson is just that. He has been plying his trade at wing so far due to the brilliant Mike Brown playing at fullback but with his precision kicking, unique vision and aerial dominance Watson has a future in the 15 jersey.