Due to player welfare regulations, the Saracens boss will be without England stars Maro Itoje and others for their Champions Cup clash with Toulon.

The irresistible form of back-rower Tom Willis, alongside the versatility and quality of Ben Earl, might give Borthwick pause for thought ahead of the Six Nations - but Saracens are demonstrating the solution.

Seven weeks after beginning their campaign against Argentina, Steve Borthwick's side will conclude their World Cup journey against the Pumas in Paris - and will be keen to end on a winning note.

Ben Earl is relishing being in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals after a standout display in England's 30-24 last-eight victory over Fiji

Whilst the absence of Henry Slade from England's World Cup plans grabbed many headlines on Monday, the selection of Billy Vunipola was also a standout call made by Steve Borthwick.

Interview: Four-time Premiership winner and TNT Sports pundit shares his thoughts on Steve Borthwick's current squad ahead of England's opening World Cup warm-up game against Wales.

Ben Earl has revealed that Steve Borthwick's personal touch when delivering news to his players has been appreciated by the squad as the Saracens flanker looks to nail down his place in England's World Cup plans.