Filed under: Rugby Union, Rugby World Cup, England Rugby
So there won't be a fourth-straight World Cup for Joe Worsley. The back-row forward is one of five members of the England squad to be released by manager Martin Johnson ahead of the warm-up double-header against Wales.Worsley, who made his England debut in the 1999 tournament, was part of the 2003 winning squad and played in the 2007 final against South Africa, can consider himself unlucky he is not part of the 40-man squad.
His 2010-11 season was blighted by injury and he was involved in just one Six Nations match this year, as a replacement against Wales. But he regained enough of his previous form to warrant initial consideration by Johnson - however he has not quite made the grade.
As unlucky as the 34-year-old Worsley is, his misfortune in failing to make the grade is far short of David Strettle and James Simpson-Daniel.
The wingers have succumbed to injuries at crucial periods in their careers - either just as they were making a mark on the international stage or just prior to major tournaments.
Simpson-Daniel is struggling with some "niggling injuries", according to Johnson. But for Strettle, there is no broken metatarsal or shoulder complaint to blame for keeping him out. It is purely down to the fact that better players than him - Chris Ashton for one - have come through in his absence.
Thomas Waldrom and George Chuter are the other two to miss out - and Johnson hinted the former could yet force his way in, if he recovers from a calf problem which would have ruled him out of both Wales games.
The 40-man squad will be further whittled down to 30 before they fly to New Zealand for the first game, against Argentina on September 10. Of the others to miss the cut, Johnson said: "The other decisions have all been tough because everyone has participated and contributed. It is particularly tough on Strettle because he has trained very, very well.
"Simpson-Daniel has had a couple of niggling injuries and a bit of illness. Joe has come back from some injuries last year and worked incredibly hard to get back in but has come up a little bit short right now."
Chuter's omission from the squad means the spaces at hooker are more or less decided, with Steve Thompson, Dylan Hartley and Lee Mears all likely to fly to New Zealand.
In the backs, Riki Flutey has been given the chance to claw his way back into Test reckoning, following a long lay-off with injury. And given his versatility - he can play at fly-half as well as centre - he could give Kiwi compatriot Shontayne Hape a run for his money for the final squad.
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/08/01/england-rugby-world-cup-squad/
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