England training squad

[Banquo]

Joseph's going to be some player. They clearly like the look of him and he seems to have impressed in camp and on tour. One thing he has over Arundell is his defence in the wide channels. He's very accurate in the tackle and quick enough to show anyone outside and be able to catch them.

Very small sample, but looking through the game stats on the prem site, he's yet to miss a tackle this season (11/0). Which is a decent effort for a wing.

Arundell's definitely softer defensively.

Why areyou comparing Joseph nd Arundell`s defence out of interest?- isnt Joseph a centre?. I could be out of sync tho.

[Margin_Walker]

Joseph's going to be some player. They clearly like the look of him and he seems to have impressed in camp and on tour. One thing he has over Arundell is his defence in the wide channels. He's very accurate in the tackle and quick enough to show anyone outside and be able to catch them.

Very small sample, but looking through the game stats on the prem site, he's yet to miss a tackle this season (11/0). Which is a decent effort for a wing.

Arundell's definitely softer defensively.

Why areyou comparing Joseph nd Arundell`s defence out of interest?

No reason really other than they usually play in the same games, often defend out wide and are wildcard wing options for England.

Arundell's definitely further forward in the queue for me, but it wouldn't surprise me to see Joseph in the 22 or 23 shirt for a few of the games in the autumn again.

[Banquo]

Joseph's going to be some player. They clearly like the look of him and he seems to have impressed in camp and on tour. One thing he has over Arundell is his defence in the wide channels. He's very accurate in the tackle and quick enough to show anyone outside and be able to catch them.

Very small sample, but looking through the game stats on the prem site, he's yet to miss a tackle this season (11/0). Which is a decent effort for a wing.

Arundell's definitely softer defensively.

Why areyou comparing Joseph nd Arundell`s defence out of interest?

No reason really other than they usually play in the same games, often defend out wide and are wildcard wing options for England.

Arundell's definitely further forward in the queue for me, but it wouldn't surprise me to see Joseph in the 22 or 23 shirt for a few of the games in the autumn again.

ok, just didnt see them s competing wth each other but fair enough. Of course centres always are better defenders than back 3 (I was a 13)

[Margin_Walker]

Ha, I was a lock, so can probably safely be ignored on this subject tbf.

The majority of Joseph's prem gametime (and all of it this year) has been on the wing with Rona around. I suspect he'll end up long term as a 13, but it's not a done deal. I could easily see him ending up as a wing. He's quicker than any of the wings in the LI squad for a start.

But yeah, they're not competing really at LI, as Arundell is set at FB for the moment. Plenty of room for them both.

[Banquo]

Ha, I was a lock, so can probably safely be ignored on this subject tbf.

The majority of Joseph's prem gametime (and all of it this year) has been on the wing with Rona around. I suspect he'll end up long term as a 13, but it's not a done deal. I could easily see him ending up as a wing. He's quicker than any of the wings in the LI squad for a start.

But yeah, they're not competing really at LI, as Arundell is set at FB for the moment. Plenty of room for them both.

got it, cheers

[Scrumhead]

Eddie has said that Marchant had a “disappointing” tour and has “some work to do on his game". Sounds like a major uphill battle to get back in Eddie’s good books tbh.

On the other hand apparently Will Joseph blew people away with his ability and attitude on tour, so can see him getting some opportunities this autumn.

Good on Will Joseph, but honestly what kind of BS is that re. Marchant? Particularly in light of Porter’s poor performances.

So tired of these stupid games.

[Spiffy]

Eddie has said that Marchant had a “disappointing” tour and has “some work to do on his game". Sounds like a major uphill battle to get back in Eddie’s good books tbh.

On the other hand apparently Will Joseph blew people away with his ability and attitude on tour, so can see him getting some opportunities this autumn.

I mean WJoseph does look utterly incredible. Arundell's been doing the flashy stuff, but I'm almost more impressed with the way Joseph just keeps stepping up and looking comfortable.

Puja

I am generally not that impressed by the latest wonder kid raves, but I do think Arundell is something special with his speed, footwork, power and nose for the line. Every time I have seen him play he is either scoring great tries or setting them up for teammates. You may call it flashy but it's wonderfully effective. He may have work to do on his defensive game, but so has any young player at the same stage ( and many established players too.) The lad is a potential match winner any time he pulls on the shirt. For me the pros heavily outweigh the cons. Jones should have him in the match day 23 right now and let him grow into things well before the RWC. With Steward in such good form at FB, his future is probably on the wing, but his ability to cover both slots is a bonus.
Even at his current early stage of development I'd have him ahead of Nowell, Cockinasiga, May, Malins, Radwan etc.
I could see a young England back three of Steward/Arundell/Freeman bringing some zip and rugby smarts to the team.

[Puja]

Eddie has said that Marchant had a “disappointing” tour and has “some work to do on his game". Sounds like a major uphill battle to get back in Eddie’s good books tbh.

On the other hand apparently Will Joseph blew people away with his ability and attitude on tour, so can see him getting some opportunities this autumn.

I mean WJoseph does look utterly incredible. Arundell's been doing the flashy stuff, but I'm almost more impressed with the way Joseph just keeps stepping up and looking comfortable.

Puja

I am generally not that impressed by the latest wonder kid raves, but I do think Arundell is something special with his speed, footwork, power and nose for the line. Every time I have seen him play he is either scoring great tries or setting them up for teammates. You may call it flashy but it's wonderfully effective. He may have work to do on his defensive game, but so has any young player at the same stage ( and many established players too.) The lad is a potential match winner any time he pulls on the shirt. For me the pros heavily outweigh the cons. Jones should have him in the match day 23 right now and let him grow into things well before the RWC. With Steward in such good form at FB, his future is probably on the wing, but his ability to cover both slots is a bonus.
Even at his current early stage of development I'd have him ahead of Nowell, Cockinasiga, May, Malins, Radwan etc.
I could see a young England back three of Steward/Arundell/Freeman bringing some zip and rugby smarts to the team.

Oh, I hundred percent agree. I don't say flashy to denigrate him - while I highly rate Joseph and think his all around game is great, I'm regularly watching LIrish highlights and trying to work out how the fuck Arundell has just done that. He is actually ridiculous.

From this squad, I would very happily see that back three on the pitch for England and, if Tuilagi goes down injured, Joseph is who I'd want stepping in at 13 (assuming Marchant remains dead to Eddie).

Puja

[FKAS]

Eddie has said that Marchant had a “disappointing” tour and has “some work to do on his game". Sounds like a major uphill battle to get back in Eddie’s good books tbh.

On the other hand apparently Will Joseph blew people away with his ability and attitude on tour, so can see him getting some opportunities this autumn.

Good on Will Joseph, but honestly what kind of BS is that re. Marchant? Particularly in light of Porter’s poor performances.

So tired of these stupid games.

Yeah no one gets the Marchant omission bar Eddie. I think 95% of England fans would have him in there but you never know Eddie's selection policy is really only known to himself, Marchant might be back in for the AIs (least I hope so).

I get why Porter is still there, Eddie wants a physical option in the centres and after Manu and Lawrence you're looking at Porter. The fact he play wing and fullback if required helps. Eddie no doubt hoping he can polish him up ready for the World Cup and have a utility option. Don't think he's going to be a world cup starting option unless there's injuries though.

[jimKRFC]

I get why Porter is still there, Eddie wants a physical option in the centres and after Manu and Lawrence you're looking at Porter. The fact he play wing and fullback if required helps. Eddie no doubt hoping he can polish him up ready for the World Cup and have a utility option. Don't think he's going to be a world cup starting option unless there's injuries though.

Sam Bedlow could do the job, he's heavier than Porter (shorter but stockier), really strong runner, good tackler, kicks and has decent hands as he can cover 10 as well. He's starting to string a few games together now as well.

[Banquo]

I get why Porter is still there, Eddie wants a physical option in the centres and after Manu and Lawrence you're looking at Porter. The fact he play wing and fullback if required helps. Eddie no doubt hoping he can polish him up ready for the World Cup and have a utility option. Don't think he's going to be a world cup starting option unless there's injuries though.

Sam Bedlow could do the job, he's heavier than Porter (shorter but stockier), really strong runner, good tackler, kicks and has decent hands as he can cover 10 as well. He's starting to string a few games together now as well.

I still like POC

[Mikey Brown]

Whatever happened to Sam (?) Hill?

[FKAS]

I get why Porter is still there, Eddie wants a physical option in the centres and after Manu and Lawrence you're looking at Porter. The fact he play wing and fullback if required helps. Eddie no doubt hoping he can polish him up ready for the World Cup and have a utility option. Don't think he's going to be a world cup starting option unless there's injuries though.

Sam Bedlow could do the job, he's heavier than Porter (shorter but stockier), really strong runner, good tackler, kicks and has decent hands as he can cover 10 as well. He's starting to string a few games together now as well.

I still like POC

I've not seen much of Bristol this season but POC was a bit out of form last season. The season before that I thought he was certain of a call up.

Below could do the job if he can show consistent good form at Bristol. His ability to offer the distribution skills could be particularly useful. Again not seen him this season but previously he's looked a bit hit and miss.

[FKAS]

Whatever happened to Sam (?) Hill?

Moved to Sale, got injured and now struggles for game time. I think he's been playing in the PRC.

[Banquo]

Sam Bedlow could do the job, he's heavier than Porter (shorter but stockier), really strong runner, good tackler, kicks and has decent hands as he can cover 10 as well. He's starting to string a few games together now as well.

I still like POC

I've not seen much of Bristol this season but POC was a bit out of form last season. The season before that I thought he was certain of a call up.

yep, as was the rest of the team quite a lot

[Mikey Brown]

Whatever happened to Sam (?) Hill?

Moved to Sale, got injured and now struggles for game time. I think he's been playing in the PRC.

Fair enough. Never saw enough of him to be putting his name forward as an option, just funny to remember all the names that at one point were destined to come in and take hold of the 12/13 shirt.

The list of promising but injury prone centres we’ve had in the last 10 years is quite impressive.

In a parallel universe we’d had Abbott, Allen, Devoto passing the torch at 12 and Tuilagi has 150+ caps.

[jimKRFC]

I've not seen much of Bristol this season but POC was a bit out of form last season. The season before that I thought he was certain of a call up.

Below could do the job if he can show consistent good form at Bristol. His ability to offer the distribution skills could be particularly useful. Again not seen him this season but previously he's looked a bit hit and miss.

To be fair everyone was out of form at Bristol last year!

POC is starting to look sharp again, of he can keep playing he'll be back to 20/21 form.

Bedlow has previously struggled to stay fit, but he's looking more robust so far! Hopefully haven't now jinxed the guy...

[Mellsblue]

For me, POC is a 13, and obvs not as good as Radradra, and isn’t the same player at 12. Plus, as everyone else has said, nobody looked great for Bristol last season… other than RICH LANE!!!

[Banquo]

I've not seen much of Bristol this season but POC was a bit out of form last season. The season before that I thought he was certain of a call up.

Below could do the job if he can show consistent good form at Bristol. His ability to offer the distribution skills could be particularly useful. Again not seen him this season but previously he's looked a bit hit and miss.

To be fair everyone was out of form at Bristol last year!

yep, thatr was my first thought. Lost their way a bit.

[Banquo]

For me, POC is a 13, and obvs not as good as Radradra, and isn’t the same player at 12. Plus, as everyone else has said, nobody looked great for Bristol last season… other than RICH LANE!!!

I think he's pretty adept in both centre positions- he's got a good skill set and is pretty strong. Excellent support lines too.

[Mellsblue]

For me, POC is a 13, and obvs not as good as Radradra, and isn’t the same player at 12. Plus, as everyone else has said, nobody looked great for Bristol last season… other than RICH LANE!!!

I think he's pretty adept in both centre positions- he's got a good skill set and is pretty strong. Excellent support lines too.

Yeah, we’ve had this debate before and everyone agreed I was right and you were wrong

[Banquo]

For me, POC is a 13, and obvs not as good as Radradra, and isn’t the same player at 12. Plus, as everyone else has said, nobody looked great for Bristol last season… other than RICH LANE!!!

I think he's pretty adept in both centre positions- he's got a good skill set and is pretty strong. Excellent support lines too.

Yeah, we’ve had this debate before and everyone agreed I was right and you were wrong

pfft.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Whatever happened to Sam (?) Hill?

Moved to Sale, got injured and now struggles for game time. I think he's been playing in the PRC.

Fair enough. Never saw enough of him to be putting his name forward as an option, just funny to remember all the names that at one point were destined to come in and take hold of the 12/13 shirt.

The list of promising but injury prone centres we’ve had in the last 10 years is quite impressive.

In a parallel universe we’d had Abbott, Allen, Devoto passing the torch at 12 and Tuilagi has 150+ caps.

To be fair to Allen he was largely just ignored, especially at Tigers where he was the absolute glue to the backline, but we had Hape times instead.

[FKAS]

Moved to Sale, got injured and now struggles for game time. I think he's been playing in the PRC.

Fair enough. Never saw enough of him to be putting his name forward as an option, just funny to remember all the names that at one point were destined to come in and take hold of the 12/13 shirt.

The list of promising but injury prone centres we’ve had in the last 10 years is quite impressive.

In a parallel universe we’d had Abbott, Allen, Devoto passing the torch at 12 and Tuilagi has 150+ caps.

To be fair to Allen he was largely just ignored, especially at Tigers where he was the absolute glue to the backline, but we had Hape times instead.

Allen was unfairly ignored despite years of consistency.

There is definitely an alternative universe where England's long term midfield combination was Stuart Abbott and Ollie Smith.

[Puja]

Moved to Sale, got injured and now struggles for game time. I think he's been playing in the PRC.

Fair enough. Never saw enough of him to be putting his name forward as an option, just funny to remember all the names that at one point were destined to come in and take hold of the 12/13 shirt.

The list of promising but injury prone centres we’ve had in the last 10 years is quite impressive.

In a parallel universe we’d had Abbott, Allen, Devoto passing the torch at 12 and Tuilagi has 150+ caps.

To be fair to Allen he was largely just ignored, especially at Tigers where he was the absolute glue to the backline, but we had Hape times instead.

I remember going to an England vs NZ AI back in 2010 and talking to some travelling Kiwi fans who were gloating that they'd tricked us and that we thought we'd poached a really good player in Hape and they'd got the real prize from NZ rugby league (some guy named Sonny? Don't think he amounted to much). They were shocked when we informed them that we knew Hape was crap and we knew we were probably going to lose. Really took the wind out of their sails - they clearly had this whole comedy routine set up about the arrogant English getting a rude awakening and it ruined it to be told we were already awake.

Puja