Steve Borthwick's four worst England call-ups, one has quit for Six Nations rival

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With one player even hinting at a potential switch to another nation, here are four players whose England careers have stalled under Borthwick.

At 25, Pearson remains an intriguing prospect, yet he has only earned a solitary England cap. While his raw physicality makes him a standout at club level, he hasn't convinced Borthwick that he's the answer in England’s back row.

This summer will mark seven years since Joe Cokanasiga was first called into the England squad—a moment of immense promise for the then-teenager, whose power and pace drew early comparisons to the legendary Jonah Lomu.

However, his international career has never fully taken off. Despite earning 14 caps over five years, Cokanasiga has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter. He was a surprise recall ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but after an underwhelming warm-up match against Wales, he was cut from the final squad.

At Bath, he has shown glimpses of his devastating best this season, yet it hasn't been enough to force his way back into Borthwick’s plans. Following his World Cup omission, the England head coach reportedly outlined areas for improvement, but so far, a recall has not materialised.

Mercer’s return to the Premiership was met with excitement after he was crowned Player of the Year during his stint in France. A recall to England training camp before the World Cup only fuelled speculation that he was finally back in the international frame.

Instead, Mercer never added to his two England caps. His two-year spell back in England has been frustrating, and reports now suggest he will leave Gloucester at the end of the season.

Handed his debut by Borthwick in 2023, Hassell-Collins looked like a winger with a bright future in England colours. However, after just two caps in last year’s Six Nations, he hasn’t been seen in an England squad since. Not only was he left out of this year’s Six Nations selection, but he wasn’t even picked for England A’s recent match against Portugal.

With Warren Gatland openly discussing his dual-nationality eligibility, the Leicester winger has now admitted he could be tempted to switch allegiances to Wales.

“I’ve got two caps for England, and obviously I’m English. But if I don’t see anything in the next few years then it’s definitely something that I would consider,” he told 

The Telegraph.

Together since their teens, Johnny Sexton and his wife Laura are one of rugby’s wealthiest couples. Known for their close-knit family, with three children often seen pitchside, the Sextons met at Rathgar Tennis Club and tied the knot in 2013. From Dublin’s Saint Mary’s College to University College Dublin, Johnny and Laura have been through it all. Their story, filled with love and commitment, has captivated fans just as much as Johnny’s rugby career.

With an empire worth an estimated £10 million, Siya and Rachel Kolisi were not just a power couple but partners in philanthropy.

Known for their foundation and work in communities, the couple planned to keep collaborating on their projects, even as they transition to a new chapter. Siya recently rejoined the Sharks in South Africa after a stint with French side Racing, but despite their split, Rachel remains the "rock" Siya has always called her.

Though the Kolisis’ marriage may be over, their legacy as one of South Africa’s most-loved couples will continue to inspire fans across the globe.

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.

In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson's net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby's wealthiest figures.

Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.

In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple's net worth is reported to be around £20 million.