Training Squad named ...

[TheNomad]

Positive as ever I see

To be honest...I'm not sure I see many of those players challenging the England squad for any real games. Not any time soon, just any time.

Obano, Heyes, the hookers, Munga, Robinson, Hill, Martin, Willis, Mitchell, Umaga, Lawrence, Dingwall, Ojomoh, Coka, TdG, Steward and Parton are all potential England players, imo, but the others...not so much.

I’m not sure on Munga. He’s young so has time to improve, but at the moment I don’t see anything that makes me look at him as a test player in the making.

Dan Kelly has every chance I’d say. For an inexperienced player, he has not looked at all out of place for Tigers and with the paucity of options at 12, he and Ojomoh have got a real opportunity to provide an option in a problem position.

I also think Reid is good enough. His problem is the quality of competition in the back row, rather than a lack of ability IMO.

I think Robinson is an interesting one - a bit of a late bloomer a la Mark Wilson. He’s been genuinely very good all season and might surprise a few people.

Harsh on Radwan and Hassell-Collins too. I recognise the question marks around both, but they've got something about them and have time

[Stom]

To be honest...I'm not sure I see many of those players challenging the England squad for any real games. Not any time soon, just any time.

Obano, Heyes, the hookers, Munga, Robinson, Hill, Martin, Willis, Mitchell, Umaga, Lawrence, Dingwall, Ojomoh, Coka, TdG, Steward and Parton are all potential England players, imo, but the others...not so much.

I’m not sure on Munga. He’s young so has time to improve, but at the moment I don’t see anything that makes me look at him as a test player in the making.

Dan Kelly has every chance I’d say. For an inexperienced player, he has not looked at all out of place for Tigers and with the paucity of options at 12, he and Ojomoh have got a real opportunity to provide an option in a problem position.

I also think Reid is good enough. His problem is the quality of competition in the back row, rather than a lack of ability IMO.

I think Robinson is an interesting one - a bit of a late bloomer a la Mark Wilson. He’s been genuinely very good all season and might surprise a few people.

Harsh on Radwan and Hassell-Collins too. I recognise the question marks around both, but they've got something about them and have time

For me...meh. I mean, I guess they're both young enough to get caps for England, but they seem to me to be a pair of those "in-between" players between when May is too old and Cleaves et al. are good enough and experienced enough.

[TheNomad]

Harsh on Radwan and Hassell-Collins too. I recognise the question marks around both, but they've got something about them and have time

For me...meh. I mean, I guess they're both young enough to get caps for England, but they seem to me to be a pair of those "in-between" players between when May is too old and Cleaves et al. are good enough and experienced enough.

Probably right about Radwan

Hassell-Collins has the raw running ability to be a good player for me. I think if he can sort other parts of his game out, it may be that (in some considerable time) he ends up as a better centre - not sure he has the explosive acceleration required for a test winger, but his feet are good and he's strong in contact

[Puja]

Harsh on Radwan and Hassell-Collins too. I recognise the question marks around both, but they've got something about them and have time

For me...meh. I mean, I guess they're both young enough to get caps for England, but they seem to me to be a pair of those "in-between" players between when May is too old and Cleaves et al. are good enough and experienced enough.

Probably right about Radwan

Hassell-Collins has the raw running ability to be a good player for me. I think if he can sort other parts of his game out, it may be that (in some considerable time) he ends up as a better centre - not sure he has the explosive acceleration required for a test winger, but his feet are good and he's strong in contact

I see Hassell-Collins as the next Josh Bassett personally. Great Prem player and will likely go on runs of try-scoring form that make people say, "Why isn't he being picked for England?!" and may even get a cap or three, but just lacking the top-drawer quality to take him to the top level.

I hope to be proven wrong, but that's the impression he gives me. Mind, I'd say the opposite about Loader - I think he really does have it - and he's not even in the training squad, so what do I know?

Puja

[Gloskarlos]

Thorley is not injured, but neither is he at his best following injury and time out. He's not actually been 100% since Eddie cast him aside from the short involvement he had with the Eng training sessions. So I am not massively surprised he hasn't been called up.

[TheNomad]

Mind, I'd say the opposite about Loader - I think he really does have it - and he's not even in the training squad, so what do I know?

I think Loader is great. Seriously rapid and with a wicked step. He's got international winger written all over him...figuratively anyway.

Did I read he's injured? Otherwise I don't get him not being involved. He always does well with ball in hand

[Scrumhead]

I agree on Loader.

He didn’t play in either of Irish’s last 2 matches so it’s possible he’s injured.

I’m assuming Sleightholme is out because of the stand down after his HIA removal.

[FKAS]

"He's rested," explained Jones on Ford's omission from the England squad. "He has got a nagging calf injury that he has carried all season and he's battled his way through. The best thing for him now is to have a good recovery period and get his body ready for the next period of time."

[Puja]

"He's rested," explained Jones on Ford's omission from the England squad. "He has got a nagging calf injury that he has carried all season and he's battled his way through. The best thing for him now is to have a good recovery period and get his body ready for the next period of time."

Oh, so *that's* why he's not played the last two games for Leicester! More injury info from Eddie's offhand comment than we've had in a whole season from Borthwick. Hope he's good for this weekend.

Thoroughly agree with Eddie's decision here. Absolutely no value in playing Ford this summer - give him a chance to recuperate and properly rehabilitate all his niggles and start again in September.

Puja

[jngf]

Good to see both Ludlum and Ludlow included. You all know how highly I rate the former and I rate Ludlow’s linking skills and carrying highly too. The fact they both play 7 at club level is imo beneficial and I see them as being pretty interchangeable between 6 and 7 at test level (though I’ve a feeling they might both be strongest at 6 at test level all things being equal ) Coupled with 1 of Dombrandt or (wildcard experiment) Underhill at 8 then that’s a pretty potent looking backrow. Would love to see B Curry and Evans on the test stage as more out and out opensides soon too.

[FKAS]

"He's rested," explained Jones on Ford's omission from the England squad. "He has got a nagging calf injury that he has carried all season and he's battled his way through. The best thing for him now is to have a good recovery period and get his body ready for the next period of time."

Oh, so *that's* why he's not played the last two games for Leicester! More injury info from Eddie's offhand comment than we've had in a whole season from Borthwick. Hope he's good for this weekend.

Thoroughly agree with Eddie's decision here. Absolutely no value in playing Ford this summer - give him a chance to recuperate and properly rehabilitate all his niggles and start again in September.

Puja

The nagging calf injury might explain why we've not seen as much running rugby from him this season. Easier to pass and kick rather than step and go himself.

I don't mind Borthwick's tight lipped approach to injuries, he generally updates on the long term injuries.

Jngf, I was gutted for Evans to get injured when he did as he's been phenomenal for Quins this season. If he'd remained fit and in form I think he'd have been capped this summer.

[Digby]

Ford stopped running at Bath, back when club and country got into his head about running the game not or himself, which is largely fine, and defence has changed a little too, but there would be times he could look for the chance more, especially with a non running 12. Neither Ford nor Farrell have the nasty habit of disconnecting themselves from the play, but the defence is very aware of the outside. Partly why we'd so like an option like Cokanasiga coming off the blindside on a back inside play

[Banquo]

Good to see both Ludlum and Ludlow included. You all know how highly I rate the former and I rate Ludlow’s linking skills and carrying highly too. The fact they both play 7 at club level is imo beneficial and I see them as being pretty interchangeable between 6 and 7 at test level (though I’ve a feeling they might both be strongest at 6 at test level all things being equal ) Coupled with 1 of Dombrandt or (wildcard experiment) Underhill at 8 then that’s a pretty potent looking backrow. Would love to see B Curry and Evans on the test stage as more out and out opensides soon too.

Yeah good one. Underhill was born to be an 8. On the upside, Evans and Ben Curry are both good flankers.

[TheNomad]

Freeman starting for Saints, and too old for the U20s

Don't get me wrong, they're good players, but I think the likes of Bassett, Parton and Radwan are (for different reasons) quite lucky to get in ahead of him - I think his all round game is excellent, and has (in my opinion) a higher ceiling than any of them

[Banquo]

Freeman starting for Saints, and too old for the U20s

Don't get me wrong, they're good players, but I think the likes of Bassett, Parton and Radwan are (for different reasons) quite lucky to get in ahead of him - I think his all round game is excellent, and has (in my opinion) a higher ceiling than any of them

agreed..though it appears he has some knee problems.

[Scrumhead]

Seconded.

I like Parton and Radwan going forward. Less so defensively. I wouldn’t say that I’m concerned about their defence, but I’d be more confident in Freeman without losing too much in attack. He might not be quite as elusive, but is more powerful and seems to hit good lines.

[FKAS]

Freeman starting for Saints, and too old for the U20s

Don't get me wrong, they're good players, but I think the likes of Bassett, Parton and Radwan are (for different reasons) quite lucky to get in ahead of him - I think his all round game is excellent, and has (in my opinion) a higher ceiling than any of them

Hasn't Freeman confirmed he's off to have some minor knee surgery at the end go the season?

Radwan I think has the kind of explosive pace and the score from anywhere to really make something happen at international level. His skill set looks ok at Prem level his biggest problem seems to be staying fit. I think if he stays fit he could get a good few years in England colours before he's overtaken by younger options. May isn't getting any younger and Eddie likes having a pace man on that wing and Radwan is rapid, his acceleration is particularly alarming of you have to defend against him.

[Banquo]

Freeman starting for Saints, and too old for the U20s

Don't get me wrong, they're good players, but I think the likes of Bassett, Parton and Radwan are (for different reasons) quite lucky to get in ahead of him - I think his all round game is excellent, and has (in my opinion) a higher ceiling than any of them

Hasn't Freeman confirmed he's off to have some minor knee surgery at the end go the season?

Radwan I think has the kind of explosive pace and the score from anywhere to really make something happen at international level. His skill set looks ok at Prem level his biggest problem seems to be staying fit. I think if he stays fit he could get a good few years in England colours before he's overtaken by younger options. May isn't getting any younger and Eddie likes having a pace man on that wing and Radwan is rapid, his acceleration is particularly alarming of you have to defend against him.

yes, as I posted above

[jngf]

Disappointed that we've gone for Robson and Spencer rather than leaping straight to JVP (although at least there's no Heinz), but otherwise a generally decent squad. I'd've had Loader ahead of Bassett/Radwan and I'd've liked him to take a look at PCokanasiga as well (although don't know which of the centres I'd suggest dropping for him).

Overall, I think that's a good training squad and I'm happy for so many bright young things to be getting a look at the higher level and the benefit of the experience of Jones/Mitchell on their development.

Puja

Moot point...

[FKAS]

Ford stopped running at Bath, back when club and country got into his head about running the game not or himself, which is largely fine, and defence has changed a little too, but there would be times he could look for the chance more, especially with a non running 12. Neither Ford nor Farrell have the nasty habit of disconnecting themselves from the play, but the defence is very aware of the outside. Partly why we'd so like an option like Cokanasiga coming off the blindside on a back inside play

Ford ran quite a bit in the season he pretty much single handedly dragged us away from relegation. Jones has said he's been nursing a calf problem which may explain the increasingly negative tactics he's employed for club and country. He's missed the end of the season so I guess he couldn't keep limping through games. Hopefully Smith goes well with the summer and puts some pressure on and a rejuvenated Ford comes out looking to make a statement in response.

[Digby]

Smith tbf to him is miles off Ford. Not sure either why you think Ford is all that negative, he's nearly always looking to advance the attack even if that's not all throwing big passes and running . Granted you will see much more of him with Leicester, because you'd almost have to like Leicester to watch Leicester much

[Banquo]

Ford stopped running at Bath, back when club and country got into his head about running the game not or himself, which is largely fine, and defence has changed a little too, but there would be times he could look for the chance more, especially with a non running 12. Neither Ford nor Farrell have the nasty habit of disconnecting themselves from the play, but the defence is very aware of the outside. Partly why we'd so like an option like Cokanasiga coming off the blindside on a back inside play

Ford ran quite a bit in the season he pretty much single handedly dragged us away from relegation. Jones has said he's been nursing a calf problem which may explain the increasingly negative tactics he's employed for club and country. He's missed the end of the season so I guess he couldn't keep limping through games. Hopefully Smith goes well with the summer and puts some pressure on and a rejuvenated Ford comes out looking to make a statement in response.

What do you define as negative tactics out of interest? I can see why you might call some elements of game management dull, but what are the negative things he does?

[FKAS]

Ford stopped running at Bath, back when club and country got into his head about running the game not or himself, which is largely fine, and defence has changed a little too, but there would be times he could look for the chance more, especially with a non running 12. Neither Ford nor Farrell have the nasty habit of disconnecting themselves from the play, but the defence is very aware of the outside. Partly why we'd so like an option like Cokanasiga coming off the blindside on a back inside play

Ford ran quite a bit in the season he pretty much single handedly dragged us away from relegation. Jones has said he's been nursing a calf problem which may explain the increasingly negative tactics he's employed for club and country. He's missed the end of the season so I guess he couldn't keep limping through games. Hopefully Smith goes well with the summer and puts some pressure on and a rejuvenated Ford comes out looking to make a statement in response.

What do you define as negative tactics out of interest? I can see why you might call some elements of game management dull, but what are the negative things he does?

True I should have said conservative as opposed to negative.

After he left the field early Vs Quins he's not really run the ball. In the final he didn't seem himself. The niggling calf would probably explain things particularly if it was getting worse and he's ended up missing games. I'm glad he's getting the summer off to get right before next season.

[Spiffy]

Freeman starting for Saints, and too old for the U20s

Don't get me wrong, they're good players, but I think the likes of Bassett, Parton and Radwan are (for different reasons) quite lucky to get in ahead of him - I think his all round game is excellent, and has (in my opinion) a higher ceiling than any of them

Hasn't Freeman confirmed he's off to have some minor knee surgery at the end go the season?

Radwan I think has the kind of explosive pace and the score from anywhere to really make something happen at international level. His skill set looks ok at Prem level his biggest problem seems to be staying fit. I think if he stays fit he could get a good few years in England colours before he's overtaken by younger options. May isn't getting any younger and Eddie likes having a pace man on that wing and Radwan is rapid, his acceleration is particularly alarming of you have to defend against him.

He scored another exceptional try against Quins with sizzling gas and footwork (and later overhauled the pedestrian Marchant who was clean through) with no effort.

[FKAS]

Yeah that Radwan try was pretty incredible. Left half the Quins team grasping at thin air.