The Eddie Jones decision that has baffled England fans the most
Eddie Jones announced his 34-man England squad for the upcoming autumn internationals and it is fair to say that Saracens are the biggest losers.
Jamie George, the Vunipola brothers and Ben Earl all miss out on the squad, despite George and Mako touring with the British & Irish Lions this summer. The prop even played in all three Tests against the Springboks.
Judging from the reaction online from England fans, George seems to be the unluckiest of all the omissions. Of course, like many of his Saracens teammates, he may have suffered from a dip in form after a season in the Championship last year, but many players from the London club look rejuvenated this season, particularly Billy.
Jones has instead opted for Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jamie Blamire and Nic Dolly as his hookers, meaning there is no room for the 62-cap and two-time Lions tourist George in his squad, who at the age of 30 could easily make the 2023 World Cup. But for now, England’s head coach is focussing primarily on youth, and may return to his more experienced players as he draws closer to to 2023. Having said that, an ankle injury to Cowan-Dickie sustained at the weekend against Wasps may offer George a reprieve.
Meanwhile, this is actually good news for Saracens, as they will have a mightily strong squad throughout November.
This is what has been said:
Lots of exciting talent in this squad. Can’t wait to see the likes of Radwan & Quirke carve it up on the international stage. Thought Jamie George might of got a look in though. I guess England’s loss is Saracens gain. https://t.co/NLxdQXt1J4
— Maggie Alphonsi MBE (@MaggieAlphonsi) October 18, 2021
Blamire can’t take McGuigan’s starting place at Newcastle but take Jamie George’s place in England squad.
It’s magic pic.twitter.com/ZgipD0dCi1
— Eric (@EricIGD13) October 18, 2021
As many Sale players in at Sarries, how times have changed! Staggered there’s no Jamie George though, Blamire not even first choice at Newcastle! Dolly the same now Montoya is back. Thought Marchant might get in along with Ford who is back to his best
— Alex Etherington (@AlexEthers) October 18, 2021
Don’t really get why Jamie George isn’t in
— Exodus Geohaghon fan club (@JoshLutman) October 18, 2021
Good Squad, although not sure why Jamie George isn’t selected !
— CaineJenkins (@cainejenkins) October 18, 2021
No Jamie George is dumb.
— Charlie 🍚🍚👶🏻 (@CharloisPatrice) October 18, 2021
No Jamie George? awful. https://t.co/kge8MJgJRk
— emma (@itsemmanffc) October 18, 2021
No Jamie George or Vunipola brothers included…
Good for Sarries, but poor from Eddie https://t.co/gUZfcQQZDT
— Nick (@nxck_whxte) October 18, 2021
No Dan Robson or Jamie George 🤷♂️🤷♂️ https://t.co/UFHmBwYGE6
— Phil Bardwell (@hooker765) October 18, 2021
England Squad
Forwards
Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 31 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 33 caps)
Trevor Davison (Newcastle Falcons, 1 cap)
Nic Dolly (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 1 cap)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 23 caps)
Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 30 caps)
Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 9 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 48 caps)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 87 caps)
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 10 caps)
Joe Marler (Harlequins, 72 caps)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap)
Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 7 caps)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 44 caps)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 12 caps)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 24 caps)
Backs
Mark Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, uncapped)
Owen Farrell (Saracens, 93 caps)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
Max Malins (Saracens, 8 caps)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 66 caps)
Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons, 1 cap)
Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 2 caps)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 40 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 2 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 43 caps)
Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 51 caps)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 109 caps)
