The tiny detail at the England camp that could have a massive impact
Eagle eyed viewers of the latest episode of England’s O2 Inside Line may have noticed a special screen on the wall of the gym.
This screen has a countdown to the 2023 World Cup in France, with the days, hours and minutes until the showcase. At the time of recording, it was 676 days, nine hours and 16 minutes until the tournament starts.
This is another clear sign of Eddie Jones’ ambition, and he has not been afraid to show it. He has repeatedly emphasised to the team and the public that he wants England to become the best side in the world, and has outlined the five campaigns they have until the World Cup. After coming so close in 2019, the Australian only has one goal on his mind, and he clearly wants that to rub off on his players.
Take a look:
This build up to the 2023 World Cup got off to a great start on Saturday with a 69-3 win over Tonga. However, the challenges get much harder now with a contest with Australia on Saturday and world champions South Africa the following weekend.
England will be boosted by the return of captain Owen Farrell this week, although they have been dented by Joe Marler’s absence after the prop produced a positive Covid case. Sale Sharks’ uncapped Bevan Rodd has come in to replace Marler.
ENGLAND SQUAD
FORWARDS
Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons, 3 caps)
Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 34 caps)
Trevor Davison (Newcastle Falcons, 1 cap)
Nic Dolly (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 2 caps)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 24 caps)
Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 31 caps)
Jamie George (Saracens, 60 caps)
Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 10 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 49 caps)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 88 caps)
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 10 caps)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 7 caps)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 45 caps)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 13 caps)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 25 caps)
BACKS
Mark Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 1 cap)
Owen Farrell (Saracens, 93 caps)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
Max Malins (Saracens, 8 caps)
Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 6 caps)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 67 caps)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 41 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 3 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 3 caps)
Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 44 caps)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 110 caps)
