Henry Slade is set to be a big omission when England name their Rugby World Cup squad tomorrow.
The Exeter Chiefs playmaker boasts 56 caps and is a former England vice-captain, but is understood to have been overlooked for selection by head coach Steve Borthwick.
The 30-year-old Slade has been an England mainstay since his 2015 debut, proving an integral part of the Red Rose’s run to the 2019 World Cup final.
Now though Joe Marchant is expected to get the nod ahead of Slade, with England looking for extra pace in the channels.
Stade Francais-bound Marchant can also operate comfortably on the wing, boosting England’s versatility out wide.
England’s decision to take all three fly-halves of captain Owen Farrell, George Ford and Marcus Smith to France could also have proved a factor.
Farrell’s ability to operate at inside centre has possibly lessened the need for Slade’s playmaking abilities, in the eyes of boss Borthwick.
Henry Arundell should be selected out wide, with Gloucester’s Jonny May missing out on the wing.
Saracens’ powerful loose-forward Ben Earl appears set to win a place in the back-row, with Harlequins’ Alex Dombrandt now likely to miss the cut for the 33-man squad.
England will start their World Cup campaign by taking on Argentina in Marseille on Saturday, September 9.
Possible England Rugby World Cup squad
Forwards: 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.
