Mako Vunipola to miss World Cup with no place for Henry Slade or Alex Dombrandt

England will miss the services of Saracens prop Mako Vunipola in the upcoming Rugby World Cup campaign following an injury.

The 32-year-old is currently sidelined with a back injury and is rehabilitating with his club Saracens rather than being involved with England's training squad.

Borthwick had initially expected him to make the cut when he announces his World Cup squad on Monday but revealed that the Saracens star hasn't made a sufficient recovery.

"At this stage Mako is not going to be in a fit enough state to be selected this Monday,” said Borthwick.

“That’s something we are always monitoring. I know the 33 will be announced on Monday but we also know that through the tournament changes will happen.”

The absence of Vunipola could see Sale’s Bevan Rodd be part of the squad alongside Ellis Genge and Joe Marler.

Then on Sunday, the shock news came that Henry Slade wouldn't be included in England's World Cup plans. The Times reported the centre will not be named in Borthwick's 33-man party to take to France while elsewhere, Harlequins' Alex Dombrandt is set to miss out with Saracens' Ben Earl getting the nod.

Henry Arundell and Dave Ribbans are also set to be included by Borthwick.

England's preparations for the World Cup were dented with a 20-9 loss against Wales in Cardiff last weekend. The two teams will meet once again this coming Saturday at Twickenham before England lock horns with Ireland and Fiji in their final warm-up fixtures.