Picking a potential England 31-man Rugby World Cup Squad For Japan

Following a mediocre 2019 Six Nations campaign, Eddie Jones is left with just over four months to select his 31-man squad to travel to Japan for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. In November 2017, the England Head Coach said that there are 35 players in contention for a spot in his squad which showed that he had shut the door on many fringe players hoping to secure inclusion into his plans.

The Six Nations campaign saw England claim a massive win over Ireland in Dublin, a subsequent draw with Scotland at home and loss away to Wales blotted that early momentum which will leave the England selectors with plenty to mull over before Jones names his squad for the World Cup.

The Gallagher Premiership has eight rounds of action left while Saracens are the only English team remaining in the knockout stages of the Champions Cup. The European form of the Premiership sides has been poor overall, however there were encouraging signs throughout the Six Nations that this England side are starting to blossom once again under the tutelage of the former Brave Blossoms boss.

Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi managed to get through the tournament unscathed as he completed all five rounds, showcasing his world class ability that we have waited all these years to witness once he was able to stay free from injury. Sale Sharks openside flanker Tom Curry was one of the tournament standout's as he dominated the breakdown and Jonny May finished the tournament as the leading tryscorer.

Potential 2019 England Rugby World Cup Squad

Forwards

Mako Vunipola, Ellis Genge, Ben Moon, Dylan Hartley, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler, Harry Williams, George Kruis, Joe Launchbury, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Mark Wilson, Brad Shields, Tom Curry, Nathan Hughes, Sam Underhill, Billy Vunipola

Backs

Ben Youngs, Richard Wigglesworth, Danny Care, George Ford, Owen Farrell, Ben Te'o, Elliot Daly, Manu Tuilagi, Henry Slade, Jonathan Joseph, Jonny May, Jack Nowell, Joe Cokanasiga