Sir Clive Woodward has chosen his England team for the Six Nations, led by Owen Farrell and featuring players such as Freddie Steward and Ollie Hassell-Collins.
Number eight Billy Vunipola has been left out of new head coach Steve Borthwick’s 36-man England squad for the Six Nations.
Other high-profile omissions include experienced wings Jonny May and Jack Nowell.
Meanwhile Borthwick has recalled 95-cap veteran prop Dan Cole, 35, who last played for England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
Woodward wrote: “This first squad selection of England’s new era under Steve Borthwick proves not only that he wants to pick a team with pace, but also promises a stark contrast to the Eddie Jones era.
“Jones would never have named the likes of Ollie Hassell-Collins and Ben Earl for the Six Nations, as Borthwick did. Under the Australian, England became far too slow from one to 15.
“England’s overall approach and gameplan needed to change radically, which is why I’m so pleased by Borthwick’s selection. It is very positive.
“I was Jones’ No 1 fan up until the week of the 2019 World Cup final. England got their preparation for that game in Yokohama badly wrong. There were distractions everywhere and the team, as well as Jones, never recovered.”
Referenced the Cole recall, he said: “I don’t mind that at all. It shows age is no barrier and that form is rewarded.” Then came his affirmation of skipper Farrell. “Borthwick’s decision to make Owen Farrell captain is the right one and I would absolutely have him starting at No10 during the Six Nations. He must begin the Scotland game there.”
Sir Clive Woodward England XV (Mail Online):
15. Freddie Steward
14. Ollie Hassell-Collins
13. Henry Slade
12. Manu Tuilagi
11. Cadan Murley
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