Cadan Murley, a player from Harlequins, was dismissed from England’s squad on 23rd July, but he has been invited back.
Assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth announced that England will not be using their World Cup warm-up match against Wales in Cardiff this Saturday as a “selection trial by combat”.
On Monday morning, head coach Steve Borthwick is set to announce his 33-man squad for the tournament in France, which is three weeks ahead of the World Rugby deadline.
Wigglesworth emphasized the importance of providing the players with a clear understanding of their position. He stated, “We absolutely do not view it as a selection trial.”
While speaking to Sport Newes Center, he added, “If we approach a game with that mindset, we’re not giving the players the best opportunity to excel.
“Everyone is aware that the selection is imminent and it’s a big deal for them – as it should be since it’s a chance to represent England in a World Cup.
“However, our goal is to ensure that they perform to the best of their abilities this weekend.
“We have a fairly clear idea of our final squad selection, and these discussions have been ongoing for quite some time.”
England is scheduled to play four matches this month, including a return match against Wales at Twickenham, followed by a face-off with Ireland in Dublin, and finally, a game against Fiji back at Twickenham on 26th August.
Wigglesworth reiterated that the focus throughout August would be on preparation and fostering team unity.
He explained, “We have maintained a rather small squad to prevent everything from revolving around selection.
“Our aim is to foster as much unity and clarity in our strategies as possible.
“Choosing the final squad is always a challenge. However, it’s best to finalize it now to ensure we’re fully prepared for the tournament in France.
“We want our preparation to be thorough. Selection could never be determined by a single test match, and there’s more to it than just individual performance.”
Wigglesworth, a two-time World Cup player in 2011 and 2015, has gleaned valuable insights from those experiences.
He further stated, “I’ve been in camps where everyone was concerned about their position and role.
“Although these feelings are natural, they are not conducive to optimal team preparation.
“Players always seek clarity, and I was no different. Steve has done a commendable job of continuously engaging with players to ensure fair treatment.”
Wigglesworth also announced that Ollie Chessum, Ollie Lawrence, and Billy Vunipola have all resumed training after recovering from injuries.
Chessum’s return is especially noteworthy as he had suffered a serious ankle fracture during a training session for the Six Nations in March.
Meanwhile, prop Will Stuart stated that Saturday’s game offers an opportunity to demonstrate the efforts of their eight-week preseason training.
Speaking to Sport Newes Center, Stuart said, “This is our first opportunity to display what we’ve been working on and the hard work we’ve put in.
“It’s a chance to make a strong impression and demonstrate our readiness, which is crucial for our team.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about England’s World Cup Squad Selection
Who was released from the England squad but has been recalled?
Cadan Murley, a player from Harlequins, was initially dismissed from England’s squad but he has been invited back.
What is the purpose of the upcoming match against Wales according to Richard Wigglesworth?
According to Assistant Coach Richard Wigglesworth, the purpose of the upcoming match against Wales is not to act as a “selection trial by combat” but to focus on preparation and fostering team unity.
Who is set to announce the 33-man squad for the World Cup tournament in France?
Head coach Steve Borthwick is set to announce his 33-man squad for the tournament in France on Monday morning.
What does Richard Wigglesworth say about the feelings of players regarding their selection?
Wigglesworth acknowledges that players naturally worry about their selection. However, he believes that these feelings are not useful for the optimal preparation of the squad. He emphasizes the importance of giving players clarity on their position.
Who has returned to training after rehabbing from injury?
Ollie Chessum, Ollie Lawrence, and Billy Vunipola have all returned to training after recovering from their injuries.
What does prop Will Stuart say about the match on Saturday?
Will Stuart considers Saturday’s game as an opportunity to demonstrate the team’s preseason training efforts and to make a strong impression.
5 comments
so relieved Chessum’s back in training! That guy’s a beast, we need him fit and ready for the World Cup.
man, I’m glad to hear Cadan’s back in the squad! He’s a solid player and we need all the strength we can get for the World Cup!
i love the focus on team unity and prep… its not just about individual performances but how they work as a team. Makes a lotta sense.
Interesting that they’re not seeing the Wales match as a selection trial. I guess they’ve already got most of the squad figured out.
Borthwick’s doing a great job, the communication with the players seems really good. that’s what makes a great team.