England head coach Simon Middleton trim squad to 35 players

England head coach Simon Middleton has trimmed the squad to 35 players ahead of the weekend's clash against the United States to be played at Sandy Park.

Laura Keates is among the three players to miss out as she returns back to Worcester Warriors along with fellow prop Detysha Harper, who will head back to Loughborough Lightning.

Gloucester-Hartpury full-back Emma Sing, who was last season's leading point scorer in the Allianz Premier 15s is the third player to be left out of the squad that also has five uncontracted players in Rosie Galligan, Sadia Kabeya, Connie Powell, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt and Claudia MacDonald.

"We've had a good month of preparation at Pennyhill Park where the players have worked extremely hard," said Middleton.

"We've reduced the squad to 35 ahead of this weekend's match. Those not selected in this squad remain very much part of the wider World Cup training squad and in contention.

"We feel it's best for them to return to their clubs for their own pre-seasons and we will of course be monitoring and in touch throughout.

"We're looking forward to spending the week in Exeter ahead of what is an exciting game."

England 35-member squad:

Forwards: Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury), Sarah Beckett (Gloucester-Hartpury), Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears), Hannah Botterman (Saracens), Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins), Bryony Cleall (Wasps), Poppy Cleall (Saracens) ,Amy Cokayne (Harlequins), Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins), Lark Davies (Bristol Bears), Vicky Fleetwood (Saracens), Rosie Galligan (Harlequins), Sarah Hunter (Loughborough Lightning), Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning), Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury), Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury), Cath O'Donnell (Loughborough Lightning), Marlie Packer (Saracens), Connie Powell (Gloucester-Hartpury), Morwenna Talling (Loughborough Lightning), Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears).

Backs: Holly Aitchison (Saracens), Jess Breach (Saracens), Zoe Harrison (Saracens), Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury), Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury), Leanne Infante (Saracens), Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins), Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs), Sarah McKenna (Saracens), Lucy Packer (Harlequins), Amber Reed (Bristol Bears), Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning), Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning), Lydia Thompson (University of Worcester Warriors), Abby Dow (rehabilitation).