Stuart Lancaster

Sam Burgess will make his England debut against France on Saturday with Stuart Lancaster insisting he has earned his place in the team after proving himself on the training field.

England have narrowed their back three options after removing three wings including Chris Ashton from their training squad for the World Cup.

England are to reduce their training squad for the World Cup by eight players on Friday evening as head coach Stuart Lancaster closes in on the final 31 who will carry the nation's hopes this autumn.

Stuart Lancaster has confirmed Danny Cipriani remains in contention for a place in England’s 2015 Rugby World Cup squad.

Jonny May is the leading contender to complete England's complement of wings at the World Cup after being described by Stuart Lancaster as the star performer of the summer training camp.

Cross-code convert Sam Burgess is being pushed into a midfield role by England to cover for the absence of powerhouse Manu Tuilagi, according to former wing Mark Cueto.

Andy Farrell insists the commitment of England's players during their two-week World Cup training camp in Denver has been "awe-inspiring".

The English national team may not be getting the game time exposure that the likes of New Zealand and South Africa currently are in The Rugby Championship, but they are being put through their paces.

Jason Leonard has backed England to reach the World Cup final if they can top the so-called 'Pool of Death'.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster views Sam Burgess as a centre rather than flanker and will only consider him for the World Cup as a midfield option.

Bath boss Mike Ford has predicted a bright England future for former rugby league superstar Sam Burgess - starting at the World Cup in September.

Semesa Rokoduguni is set for the second phase of an eventful pre-World Cup journey this weekend after being given a chance to relaunch his England career.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has cut five players from his large 50-man squad ahead of the World Cup - with the rest of the group heading off to a training camp in Denver.

Ben Morgan is on course to recover from his broken leg in time to face France in the first of England's three World Cup warm-up matches.

Manu Tuilagi runs the risk of never playing at another World Cup, according to Martin Johnson.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster is yet to consider implementing a curfew or ban his players from drinking as the Rugby World Cup looms large.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster has begun the process of honing England into a cohesive unit capable of winning the Rugby World Cup, but the initial focus is on the absentees and the potential decision required over Danny Cipriani.

Semesa Rokoduguni has been called up to England's World Cup training squad after the withdrawal of winger David Strettle.

Wales captain Sam Warburton says group rivals England will not be affected by their troubled World Cup build-up.

England bosses are "all in agreement" on refusing to select overseas-based stars despite Toulouse trying to prise Manu Tuilagi away from Leicester, according to RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie.