Borthwick Reshapes England Squad, Omitting Lawrence and Daly Ahead of World Cup
Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly have lost their central contracts as Steve Borthwick finalizes his 25-man squad, gearing up for England’s World Cup campaign next year. Both players were notable absences during the summer’s three Nations Championship matches, with Daly sidelined by an arm injury. Their exclusions highlight Borthwick's strategic vision for the upcoming tournament. In a noteworthy selection, Alex Coles from Northampton and Asher Opoku-Fordjour of Sale make the cut, showcasing their potential as Borthwick looks to solidify his squad. Courtney Lawes, returning after a stint in France, also finds himself overlooked, despite expressing his desire to compete at the World Cup. The changes to the central contracts include: New contracts awarded to: Alex Coles, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet. Omitted players: Ollie Lawrence, Elliot Daly, Ben Curry, Tom Roebuck, and Tom Willis. Lawrence’s exclusion comes as a surprise, especially after his strong performance in last year’s autumn victory over the All Blacks. Similarly, Daly's versatility had previously earned him praise from Borthwick, who had anticipated his key role in the World Cup. Coles’ inclusion aligns with his consistent performance in the past year, while Opoku-Fordjour’s versatility adds depth to the squad. Atkinson's rise in Borthwick’s ranks indicates a shift in strategy, with players like Fraser Dingwall also falling down the selection pecking order. Overall, Borthwick’s decisions reflect a significant reshaping of the squad, signaling the fluid nature of player roles as November's Nations Championship approaches.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-08-12