"I've loved being part of this team" - Danny Care addresses international retirement speculation

Having earned his 101st cap as a substitute during Saturday’s heart-wrenching loss to France in Lyon, Care contributed to Steve Borthwick's team securing a respectable third place finish.

Now, standing at a pivotal juncture in his career, one of English rugby's most electrifying talents contemplates the path ahead as he approaches the twilight of his Test career.

Additionally, negotiations for a new contract with Harlequins for the upcoming season remain unresolved, adding another layer of uncertainty to Care's future endeavours.

“It’s 101 and still not out at the moment! I’m going to go home and assess and speak to the family. I’ve not made any big decisions yet,” Care said.

“But I’ve loved being a part of this team. I genuinely have. The past year yes, but particularly the past seven weeks in this Six Nations have been some of my favourite times in an England shirt.

“The result against Ireland was an unbelievable feeling, I thought we were going to do it again and maybe surpass it against France.

“The icing on the cake would have been another win but it wasn’t to be. But I’ve never been prouder to wear an England shirt.”

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1. Andrew Porter (Ireland)

2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)

3. Dan Cole (England)

4. George Martin (England)

5. Joe McCarthy (Ireland)

6. Michele Lamaro (Italy)

7. Tommy Reffell (Wales)

8. Ben Earl (England)

9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)

10. George Ford (England)

11. James Lowe (Ireland)

12. Bundee Aki (Ireland)

13. Juan Ignacio Brex (Italy)

14. Damien Penaud (France)

15. Monty Ioane (Italy)

Telegraph Sport conducted a thorough assessment of each England player's performance during the Six Nations, with criticism aimed at several individuals.

One player was labeled a liability, while another is advised to come to terms with the idea that their peak playing days may be behind them.

Coles is a member of the Premiership outfit Northampton Saints, a club he has been associated with since the age of 13. His journey with the Saints began when he joined their senior academy in the summer of 2017, eventually making his senior debut in November of the following year.

With versatility spanning across the second and back rows, Coles has represented his country from U16 level all the way through to U20, featuring prominently in the U20 Six Nations and the World Rugby U20 Championship.

His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the England senior Men’s squad ahead of the 2022 Autumn Nations Series, where he marked his debut in their narrow 30-29 defeat against Argentina.

They wrote: "A cumulative 15 minutes of action, but it is telling that England opted for no lock replacement in their final two matches."

RUCK RATING: 6.25/10

Stuart, a native of London, received his education at Farleigh School in Andover and later attended Radley College in Oxfordshire. His rugby journey commenced at the age of eight, where he honed his skills both at school and with Salisbury RFC.

Stuart's prowess on the field earned him representation for England at various age grade levels, notably contributing to the team's triumph over Ireland in the final of the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship. His ascent continued when he received his first call-up to the senior squad in 2020, debuting as a replacement for Kyle Sinckler during the opening round of the Six Nations. Subsequently, he earned his maiden start in November of the same year, featuring in England’s Autumn Nations Cup clash against Georgia.

In 2023, Stuart was a pivotal member of Steve Borthwick’s squad that journeyed to France for the Rugby World Cup, further solidifying his status as a promising talent in English rugby.

They wrote: "Made the bench spot his own but has never quite translated his Bath form to Tests. New Zealand could be make or break."

RUCK RATING: 5.2/10

Care's illustrious international journey commenced in 2008 with his England debut against New Zealand, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that has seen him amass over 100 caps for his country.

Originating from Leeds, Care initially ventured into rugby before transitioning to Harlequins in 2006, where he continued to flourish. His commitment to the sport has seen him represent England across nine levels, spanning from the grassroots through to the elite ranks, including a notable stint in the sevens code. Notably, he clinched a Commonwealth Games silver medal during his tenure in sevens, further adding to his diverse and distinguished rugby resume.

They wrote: "Murrayfield hinted that Care’s best days as an England starter might be over but his composure off the bench deserves plaudits."

RUCK RATING: 6.1/10

Dingwall's rugby journey began at Cambridge RUFC, where he first honed his skills before catching the eye of Northampton Saints at the age of 14. His talent and dedication led him to sign with the Senior Academy in 2017.

The pinnacle of Dingwall's professional career arrived when he made his debut in a Premiership fixture against Leicester Tigers in 2018, marking a significant milestone in his journey.

Internationally, Dingwall initially represented Scotland at the U18 level before switching allegiance to England U20s in 2018. His leadership qualities shone through when he was appointed captain of the England squad for the 2019 World Rugby U20 Championship.

Dingwall's progression continued as he earned his first call-up to the senior England squad in January 2020, signifying a notable achievement in his burgeoning career. Recently, head coach Steve Borthwick recognised Dingwall's capabilities once again, recalling him ahead of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2024 campaign.

They wrote: "At times a liability, is it time for England to move on? Perhaps, but Daly’s aerial prowess is unquestionable."

RUCK RATING: 6.25/10

Daly's ascent to the England squad for the 2016 Six Nations was propelled by his standout performances in high-stakes encounters, coupled with impressive seasons at Wasps.

His debut as a starter for England saw him making a memorable impact with a remarkable left-footed penalty against South Africa in November 2016, followed by his maiden Test try against Fiji the following week.

Daly's journey continued to flourish as he earned selection for the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, where he featured prominently, starting all three Tests on the left wing against the formidable All Blacks.

He further solidified his place in English rugby history as part of the squad that reached the final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Daly's prowess on the field earned him a spot in the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa, where he showcased his skills in the first two Tests.

Having been part of the England squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, Daly's talent was once again recognized as he was recalled by Steve Borthwick ahead of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2024 campaign.

They wrote: "At times a liability, is it time for England to move on? Perhaps, but Daly’s aerial prowess is unquestionable."

RUCK RATING: 5.8/10