Burgess in, Cipriani out of England’s 31-man Rugby World Cup squad

Speaking at the press conference, Lancaster said: “Selection wasn’t easy, and it is tough to leave anyone out but it’s important to stress that the players not in this group are still part of our wider squad and could come in at any point.

“As the excitement builds around the tournament, we are looking forward to the country getting behind England and we know this group of players will represent the nation with pride.”

Hosts England are 7/2 to be Rugby World Cup winners, but that could all change with some inexperienced players being announced in the squad.

England 2015 Rugby World Cup squad:
Props: Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), David Wilson (Bath Rugby)

Hookers: Jamie George (Saracens), Rob Webber (Bath Rugby), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

Second Rows: George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Geoff Parling (Exeter Chiefs)

Back Rows: James Haskell (Wasps), Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby), Chris Robshaw (Captain, Harlequins), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Tom Wood (Northampton Saints)

Scrum halves: Danny Care (Harlequins), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

Fly halves: Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath Rugby)

Centres: Brad Barritt (Saracens), Sam Burgess (Bath Rugby), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)

Back three: Mike Brown (Harlequins, Alex Goode (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby)