Steve Borthwick's first England debutant is one of three players he's blacklisted

Some omissions have raised eyebrows, while others have left players considering their international futures.

Here are FOUR England stars who have fallen completely out of favour—one of whom could be lost to Wales for good.

Zach Mercer’s highly anticipated return to the Premiership came on the heels of his standout performances in France, where he was named Top 14 Player of the Year after leading Montpellier to a league title.

A World Cup training camp call-up hinted at a potential England comeback, but Mercer never added to his two senior caps.

His time at Gloucester, where he signed a four-year deal in 2023 to revive his international prospects and be closer to family, proved frustrating.

Despite initial interest from then-head coach Eddie Jones, Mercer was overlooked following Jones’ departure. Ongoing speculation about his future reportedly caused tension within the club, and he ultimately opted to leave Gloucester a year early to join Toulon.

The 27-year-old now returns to the Top 14, a league where he previously thrived. Though capped twice for England at senior level, Mercer’s international career appears to have stalled. He also made 17 appearances for England U20, captaining the side 10 times.

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!