Maro Itoje missing from England squad

Maro Itoje has again been left out of England’s enlarged training squad as Steve Borthwick continues preparations for the summer schedule.

The England captain could be rested for part or all of the July fixtures against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

Maro Itoje Missing From England Squad

Itoje was not included in the 33-man squad named by Borthwick ahead of England’s non-cap international against France on Friday.

The omission increases the possibility that the Saracens lock may be given time away this summer after a demanding year. Borthwick has previously discussed the option of resting Itoje, with England weighing up his workload before the July Tests.

England Add Prem Semi-Final Players

Players from losing Gallagher Prem semi-finalists Bath and Leicester have now become available for selection. That has allowed Borthwick to add second-row options Ollie Chessum, George Martin and Charlie Ewels to the squad.

Their inclusion gives England greater depth at lock and could make it easier to manage Itoje’s workload. Northampton’s Alex Coles is the only front-line England lock still involved in Prem action.

Noah Caluori Could Make England Debut

Bath flanker Sam Underhill has been omitted amid the possibility of surgery for an undisclosed injury. Ben Spencer and Ollie Lawrence are also absent, while Max Ojomoh has been recalled.

Teenage Saracens wing Noah Caluori could make his England debut against France in Vannes. Caluori was named Gallagher Prem Breakthrough Player of the Season and finished the regular campaign as the league’s top try scorer with 18 tries.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has returned to Exeter after injury rehabilitation, raising the possibility of an earlier comeback than initially expected.

England training squad

Forwards: Jamie Blamire (Leicester Tigers), Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Theo Dan (Saracens), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Ted Hill (Bath Rugby), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Jack Kenningham (Harlequins), George Kloska (Bristol Bears), George Martin (Leicester Tigers), Beno Obano (Bath Rugby), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks), Vilikesa Sela (Bath Rugby), Hugh Tizard (Saracens), Archie van der Flier (Leicester Tigers).

Backs: Charlie Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby), Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby), Noah Caluori (Saracens), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol Bears), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Max Ojomoh (Bath Rugby), Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks), Adam Radwan (Leicester Tigers), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears), Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers).