England star who was bombed out by Steve Borthwick after three weeks reveals reason

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But despite spending three weeks in England's training camp ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the powerful number eight never even got a shot to prove himself.

Mercer didn’t hold back when reflecting on his treatment.

“To come back and get given three weeks in a training camp, and that was it; I was really disappointed with that,” he admitted.

“I’ve been open with Steve; I’ve told him my opinions on it. I thought I haven’t really been given a crack, and to not even be given a game to try and prove myself is tough.”

Mercer was blunt in his assessment of where he stands under Borthwick.
“I just don’t feel like he values what I can offer as a player, and that’s me being honest,” Mercer said.
“Obviously, I don’t fit into the system that he wants to run, and whether I agree with that or not, it is what it is.”

Borthwick didn’t mince his words when addressing Mercer’s omission.
“We’ve highlighted areas where players have done well and the areas where they bring a point of difference. It’s a competitive arena.”

Mercer’s frustration is clear, but for Borthwick, it seems like a case of adapt or move on.

From a fullback who was once undroppable to a powerful winger who was compared to Jonah Lomu, here are five England stars who have fallen completely out of favour—one of whom could be lost to Wales for good.

It wasn’t long ago that Freddie Steward was considered a guaranteed starter for England. A defensive rock under the high ball and a reliable last line of defence, he played a crucial role in England’s World Cup campaign.

Yet, in a shocking turn of events, Borthwick has axed him in favour of Marcus Smith—a player who isn’t even a specialist fullback. This drastic move highlights just how far Steward has fallen in the pecking order. Nobody saw this coming.

Zach Mercer’s return to the Premiership was met with serious hype. After being named Top 14 Player of the Year at Montpellier, it seemed inevitable that he would finally be given a proper shot in an England jersey.

A call-up to a World Cup training camp suggested Borthwick was keen to reintegrate him, but Mercer never added to his two caps. His stint at Gloucester has been frustrating, and with reports suggesting he’ll leave at the end of the season, his England career looks all but over.

This summer marks EIGHT years since Joe Cokanasiga was first called into an England squad. His blend of power and pace drew early comparisons to Jonah Lomu, and at just 19, he looked set for a long international career.

Yet, despite earning 14 caps, he has never been able to cement a regular starting role. A surprise recall before the 2023 World Cup ended in disappointment, as he was cut after an underwhelming warm-up match against Wales. Despite some strong performances for Bath this season, Borthwick remains unconvinced.

The England boss reportedly gave Cokanasiga areas to improve on, but with no recall in sight, his international future remains in doubt.

Hassell-Collins looked like a long-term England winger when Borthwick handed him his debut in 2023. However, after just two caps in last year’s Six Nations, he has completely vanished from England’s plans.

Not only was he ignored for the current Six Nations squad, but he was also left out of the England A side that faced Portugal. Instead, Warren Gatland has taken notice, with the Wales boss openly discussing Hassell-Collins’ eligibility to switch allegiances.

The Leicester Tigers winger himself has admitted he could be tempted to play for Wales. Speaking to 

The Telegraph, he said: “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.”

Could England be about to lose him to their biggest Six Nations rival?

At 25, Pearson is still an exciting prospect, but he has only managed a single England cap to date. His physicality makes him a standout performer at club level, yet Borthwick clearly doesn’t see him as the answer to England’s back-row dilemma.

While other uncapped players have leapfrogged him into recent squads, Pearson remains on the outside looking in. With England’s back-row options constantly evolving, his wait for another chance could be a long one.

Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!

Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!