England's Unselected XV

It is easy to argue that new England Head Coach Eddie Jones has one of the cushiest jobs in rugby. Admittedly there is a huge amount of pressure and expectation resting heavily on the former Japan coach’s shoulders.

However, following a disastrous World Cup for England, there is a feeling of a fresh start so perhaps the expectations may not loom so large.

So why is the England Head Coach job so comfy? One, Jones’ new employer is the richest and most powerful governing body in World Rugby. Secondly, he has inherited easily the best, most promising and most exciting crop of England players for over a decade.

With the Six Nations kicking off this weekend, Jones has already played his first hand by essentially announcing his squad for the Murrayfield clash well over a week in advance. With this in mind, and to demonstrate the strength in depth England Rugby has at its disposal, here is a starting fifteen made up only on eligible, unselected players.

1. Matt Mullan – one of the ten players released by Jones having made the initial EPS. The Wasps Club Captain has been a key player for some of the massive victories the Club have notched up so far, including Toulon and Leinster.
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie – the Exeter hooker should international potential under Stuart Lancaster however his set piece can let him down. Despite this, the Devon boy is a wrecking ball in the loose.
3. Henry Thomas – in a struggling Bath side, Thomas is one of their constantly impressive players. Solid in the scrum and very quick around the park.
4. Dave Attwood – a player lacking form, but has shown previously he can be a stand out player at international level. Very good in the lineout and one of the few English locks that can carry effectively.
5. Matt Symons – despite struggling at the foot of the Premiership table, London Irish have shown glimpses of their potential, and Symons has been instrumental in all that is good for the Exiles. With over 20 tackles per game and stepping up to captain the side, Symons has shone as one of the most consistent performers in the Premiership.
6. Maro Itoje – one of the biggest omissions from Eddie Jones’ squad, however he has now been named as a reserve should Courtney Lawes’ fitness fail him. Itoje is easily England’s brightest young talent. A stand out performer for Saracens and a man who has skippered the Premiership champions many times already.
7. Matt Kvesic – England’s best seven. Not much more needs saying. After everyone crying out for England to select an out and out open side, somehow Kvesic once again misses out. Criminal.
8. Ben Morgan – struggling to recover his titanic form he showed before his leg break but on his day one of the best carrying eights in England.
9. Ben Spencer – another young Sarrie who is tearing up at the moment. Spencer is one of the best nines with the boot in the Premiership but only makes the side due to Joe Simpson once again picking up an injury at the worst time.
10. Danny Cipriani– a shock omission from the EPS and, despite his past, one of the most talented England players. Badly treated by the previous regime and his current club form shows he is close to his best.
11. Semesa Rokoduguni – a player who has hardly been given a real go for his country. One game versus the All Blacks where although he did little going forward, neither did his opposite man that day. None other than Julian Savea, keeping him quiet is a feat in and of itself. The Bath winger has lit up the Premiership in recent seasons and deserves a shot.
12. Luther Burrell – somewhat cast aside of late internationally and at Club level the Saints are not having the best time. However, Burrell is a proven international centre… just maybe not at 12, please excuse the shoehorn.
13. Elliot Daly – how this man is not in the starting side is beyond me. And most others. Yes he is travelling as a reserve, but to not pick arguably the best centre in Europe at the moment is a crazy decision. But this isn’t the first time Daly has been left out in the cold. Maybe him and Pennyhill Park just don’t get on.
14. James Short – struggling for game time at London Irish last year, Short moved down south and is now the in form winger in the Premiership. Once again Baxter has worked his magic and Short is playing at his true potential.
15. Ben Foden – a couple of years ago it was hard to think of an England side without he Saints full back. However, a string of injuries hampered his progress. But this season we have seen glimpses of vintage Foden, a sight that will please all England fans, even if his man-bun/top-knot abomination doesn’t.