Following England's defeat against South Africa in the World Cup final in 2019, we selected a team that could launch an assault on Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.
Might the likes of Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola still be the key men or will a new generation of players emerge?
This is how we predicted it might play out…
15. Josh Hodge
- Current number of caps: 0
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 23
One of England's most exciting upcoming talents, the fullback is built in the same mould as All Black Damian Mckenzie. Safe under the high ball and blessed with incredible pace, expect him to play a key role for Newcastle Falcons in the Championship this season before returning to the Premiership ready to make a bid for international honours.
14. Joe Cokanasiga
- Current number of caps: 9
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 25
Eddie Jones summed up what Joe Cokanasiga brings to the party when asked about his first inclusion in the England set up back in 2017. 'He's big and he's fast,' said the England coach. He's not wrong and we expect him to be hitting his peak in 2023..
13. Joe Marchant
- Current number of caps: 3
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 27
A black belt in karate and also a former England schools finalist in gymnastics which would suggest the centre is blessed with power and poise! Has been involved in Eddie Jones's squad in the build-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and is someone we'd expect to step up heading into the 2020 Six Nations and beyond.
12.Owen Farrell
- Current number of caps: 83
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 32
Will be one of the sides elder statesmen, captaining the squad at a second straight Rugby World Cup. Will be the goalkicker, allowing the talented Marcus Smith to run the show from 10.
11. Ollie Thorley
- Current number of caps: 1
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 27
A World Rugby U20 Championship winner in 2016, Thorley has pace, power and an eye for the try line. Was unlucky not to be considered for the 2019 squad but if he continues to score lots of tries and constantly improves he could be a key player for England in four years time.
10. Marcus Smith
- Current number of caps: 1
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 24
Smith's rapid rise shows no signs of slowing down – it took barely a year for him to go from captaining Brighton College in an unbeaten season to involvement in the senior England squad. Therefore, it's not unthinkable that he'll be leading England's bid to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for a second (possibly third) time.
9. Stuart Townsend
- Current number of caps: 0
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 27
A lot of the English scrum-halves are ageing, meaning this is a direct choice between the Exeter Chiefs man and Ben Vellacott. However, his emergence as a premier playmaker in such a short space of time makes us think he will continue to get better, which will lead to him establishing himself in the England set-up.
1. Ellis Genge
- Current number of caps: 18
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 28
One of the most dynamic props in England, Bristol-born Ellis Genge made his debut for his country as a replacement in a 27-13 win over Wales at Twickenham Stadium in 2016. Should be hitting his peak in 2023.
2.Jamie George
- Current number of caps: 49
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 32
Being the half owner of elite physiotherapy business, we're backing the current hooker to be the oldest starter for England in 2023. Accurate at the line-out and always a willing carrier, his wealth of experience and winning know-how will make him a key player for years to come.
3. Kyle Sinckler
- Current number of caps: 35
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 30
Powerful carrier and an incredible scrummager, a 30-year-old mature Sinckler could be one of the most renowned tightheads on the planet. We certainly hope so anyway!
4. Maro Itoje
- Current number of caps: 38
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 28
The first name on the teamsheet in 2023. We will be shocked if he isn't still a key figure.
5. Nick Isiekwe
- Current number of caps: 3
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 25
Has often played second fiddle to the likes of George Kruis and Courtney Lawes, but we're backing the exciting youngster to step up and make the number five shirt his own in the next four years.
6. Tom Curry
- Current number of caps: 23
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 25
Having found success with the England age-group sides and regularly impressed in the Premiership with Sale Sharks, the flanker was fast-tracked into the senior England set-up in 2017, aged just 18. His pace, work rate and skill set suggest he has a long international career ahead of him.
7. Sam Underhill
- Current number of caps: 18
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 27
One of the most exciting talents in the Northern Hemisphere, Underhill arrived at Bath Rugby for the 2017/18 season, after two seasons with Pro 12 outfit Ospreys. As long as he can avoid major injuries, we're excited to see him and Curry form one of the most devastating flanker partnerships in rugby history.
8. Sam Simmonds
- Current number of caps: 7
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 28
A serious injury ended the Exeter mans hopes of being in Japan. Although Billy Vunipola will be only 30 in 2023, we don't think his body will be able to still go at the same level. A strong ball carrier, Simmonds seems like the natural successor.
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