Exciting England squad strengthens Eddie Jones before Six Nations

As Leicester Tigers Manu Tuilagi will miss at least the opening couple of Six Nations clashes, there is an even younger feel to Jones’ options at centre through uncapped trio Elliot Daly (Wasps), Ollie Devoto (Bath) and Sam Hill (Exeter).

Forward changes, Ashton and Hartley return

The bulk of England recalls handed out are among the forwards. Northampton Saints prop Paul Hill is called up for the first time, but clearly Jones feels predecessor Stuart Lancaster selected the wrong players.

Returns for wing duo Chris Ashton and Marland Yarde are notable alongside bad boy hooker Dylan Hartley, who has been touted as the next Red Rose captain.

Jonny May and Henry Slade are notable injury absentees at the back, with Jones leaving Danny Cipriani out altogether. Just 19 men from Stuart Lancaster’s 33-man roster for the recent Rugby World Cup where England flopped so spectacularly as host nation remain, including former skipper Chris Robshaw.

“Better than good and hard-working”

Head coach Jones is hoping his shake-up will bring about a change of mindset from some of the players in his squad. “In this squad of 33 there are four or five players who, if they change their attitude, can become world-class players,” he said.

“If we do the same as we have done since 2003 (when England won their only Rugby World Cup) then we will get the same results. To be the dominant team in the world you’ve got to be better than good and hard-working.

“It’s going to take more than they have ever done in their lives. You will find players that complain about it, but I will be happy because I’ll know we are getting change. We have to make the players a little bit uncomfortable.”

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