"Didn't Make The Cut" - England XV of Players NOT in the 2023 Rugby World Cup Squad

Borthwick gave no second chances to the side that were defeated 20-9 by Wales, as eight players that featured in the Cardiff loss have been cut from the group. If brought together, the players that were left out of the latest England squad make up the foundations of quite a competitive side.

So we decided to piece together a 23-man England squad, entirely made up of players that are not going to the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Most of these players were involved in the wider training group throughout the Summer, however some slot in despite their long-time omission from international duties, or upcoming moves overseas.

Here is RUCK's England squad, that is NOT going to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Brown has had a recent career resurgence after joining Leicester Tigers from Newcastle Falcons, but the 37-year-old veteran has not caught the eye of Borthwick as of late. Borthwick selected a fullback contingent of Freddie Steward and Elliot Daly, with Henry Arundell adding another option across a versatile back-three.

An exciting young talent who Quins fans are eager to see make his England debut, Murley will have to bide his time for a little longer, before making the walk from the Stoop to Twickenham Stadium. He was Let go from the squad despite finishing the 2022/23 Premiership season as the top try scorer with 15 tries.

Failed to impress on his return to the England squad, and is included in the group who were let go after the disappointing performance against Wales. Cokanasiga's highlight from his return saw him send Rio Dyer flying in a tackle collision, but he never hit top gear at the Principality Stadium.

A shock omission which was reportedly 'leaked' out, before Steve Borthwick's official squad was announced. Slade misses out on the 2023 Rugby World Cup, as competition is too fierce in the centres. The Exeter Chiefs man is staying put in Devon, and will focus his attention on the re-build taking place at Sandy Park.

Porter ran out for the full 80 against Wales, yet ends up in the same boat as Slade who achieved just a 10 minute cameo. Porter is yet to find his feet in the England centre pecking order, which currently favours Manu Tuilagi, Ollie Lawrence and Joe Marchant. Despite not making the official squad, Porter is said to be included to play against Wales at Twickenham, with Marchant not training at full capacity.

It was always going to be difficult for Fin Smith to squeeze into the Rugby World Cup squad, as England have three world class fly halves at their disposal. Smith heads back to Franklin's Gardens, with Owen Farrell, George Ford, and his namesake Marcus set to jostle it out for the 10 jersey in France.

Someone who England fans and pundits believe to be unfortunate to miss out, Danny Care and Ben Youngs seem to edge in ahead of Mitchell on an experience basis. The Saints scrum half has been constantly improving, yet will have to watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup from afar.

Constantly overlooked despite consistently strong performances at Kingsholm, Val Rapava-Ruskin will miss out on the upcoming competition. The search for his international test debut goes on, and Big Val could well turn his attention to his native Georgia if Borthwick continues to exclude him.

Missing out on one of the three hooker spots due to the tough competition, Blamire heads back up North after a tough showing against Wales. The trio of hooker spots have been awarded to England stalwart Jamie George, his Saracens protégé and recent England debutant Theo Dan, and Harlequins star Jack Walker.

At one point Heyes was on the England fringes, yet his Leicester Tigers mentor Dan Cole has since beaten him to the punch and packs down a vacant England tight-head spot. Kyle Sinckler has had the England '3' tattooed on his back for a good while now, with Will Stuart's recent stand-out showing against Wales shaking up the waters.

Let go by Borthwick for the 2023 Six Nations, Hill had a golden opportunity to stamp his claim for a Rugby World Cup spot against Wales. Interestingly, Hill has been named to face Wales in the return match at Twickenham, despite not making the Rugby World Cup squad. Hill comes back in as Ollie Chessum has still not recovered from his injury. Also, George Martin will undergo the enforced stand-down procedure after his failed HIA in Cardiff, so the door remains a jar for the Sale lock.

The Saracens lock played 44 minutes under Borthwick in the 2023 Six Nations, as he came off the bench against Scotland in the opening round defeat for the Calcutta Cup. He returned in place of David Ribbans for the final minutes of the Grand Slam sealing defeat against Ireland, yet will not feature in the upcoming World Cup campaign.

Despite the excitement surrounding the 2023 Premiership Breakthrough Player of the Year, Tom Pearson will have to settle for 'one and done' for now. The former London Irish man was omitted from camp after making his debut against Wales, and will start off his new journey with the Saints sooner than expected.

Tom Willis will not be joining his brother Jack in the Rugby World Cup squad, after his debut against France failed to catch the eye of his Head Coach. Willis will head in the opposite direction to his England teammates, as he departs Bordeaux for a new start at Saracens, whilst England set off to France.

An interesting exclusion from Borthwick, now that England are without a specialist number eight aside from the injured Billy Vunipola. Dombrandt was a mainstay in the England back-row throughout the 2023 Six Nations, as he started every match. However, it seems that he's had his last opportunity to impress Borthwick for now.

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie - Sale Sharks (Complications with transfers and injuries put availability in doubt.)

17. Mako Vunipola - Saracens (Failed to return from injury).

18. Sam Underhill - Bath Rugby (Ommitted by Borthwick three weeks ago).

19. Sam Simmonds - Montpellier (Self-withdrew from Borthwick's squad, and moves on to Montpellier)

20. Zach Mercer - Gloucester Rugby (Overlooked despite bossing Top 14, now new arrival at Gloucester)

21. Adam Radwan - Newcastle Falcons (Overlooked and injury problems halted momentum.)

22. Jonny May - Gloucester Rugby (Included as possible substitute to play Wales at Twickenham, like Hill)

23. Jack Nowell - La Rochelle (Off to France after Exeter Chiefs had to let him go with salary cuts)