Genge, Marler, Mullan, Vunipola M
It should be noted straight away that this is a provisional squad and that things might change. The anger and approval directed at full squads is rarely proportionate with how much they actually mean at the best of times, nevermind when dealing with a 45 man squad that will be changed anyway.
This is said because the inclusion of four looseheads is slightly odd. Do we need four? If four is the minimum number for the front row, there would be four tightheads too. There are not. Is there any particular reason to have four? Ellis Genge is still incredibly raw. While Uncle Eddie's logic for including him for the future is obvious, it would not have been a sin to put him in England's development squad while he learns his trade with Leicester. He is not likely to burst into the England team anytime soon. Nor, more damningly, is Matt Mullan. He had a chance to dislodge the established order in Australia and certainly could have done more to take it. A squad of 45 means not everyone must be a contender but to have two players in a position that are not smacks of indulgence.
It is possible that the reason for this is continued concern over Joe Marler's mental stability. His decision to stay home from Australia to sort things out in his own head was a wise one, but that does not mean it is the end of the matter. It feels distasteful and futile to speculate too much about a player's mental health so it is best to mention this as a possibility and move on for now. Time will tell where Marler is; if he is at his best, Mullan and Genge will face a big struggle to get into the team.
HK
Cowan-Dickie, George, Hartley, Youngs T
The rescue of the good ship Tom Youngs from the waters of international abandonment must have surprised many, particularly after Tommy Taylor's useful summer in a white jersey. The move should be welcomed for all his noted frailties at the set-piece, Youngs' experience and proven impact in the international arena are too valuable to be thrown lightly away.
Whether he is likely to make the team again anytime soon is another matter. Captain Hartley is currently cemented to his place when fit, although the possibility of another concussion must be in Jones' thoughts after last season. Jamie George has not had much time off of the bench but has used what he has extremely well and the argument that he is England's outright best hooker grows louder and louder.
That leaves Youngs scrapping with Luke Cowan-Dickie, a player in a very similar mould. Their inclusion in the squad ahead of Taylor suggests that Jones' devotion to a rock solid set-piece only goes so far. There are now three outstanding loose players competing for a position here, hinting at Jones' future direction. It seems likely that whoever nails their set-piece duties wins third place behind George but until we see how much Jones likes Tom Youngs, it is hard to be confident on the matter. One thing is sure though; the return of Youngs to contention is a great shot in the arm for depth and competition in the hooker position.
THP
Cole, Hill, Sinckler
In the space of just over a year, Paul Hill and Kyle Sinckler have leapfrogged a long queue of English tightheads for this position. Dave Wilson, Kieron Brookes and Henry Thomas all have reason to believe they can reverse this position. All three currently have greater experience than the men in the EPS (I think, Hill's cap count may not be accurate on wikipedia) and that points directly to the current weakness England possess in the position.
England's first choice tighthead is Dan Cole. England's second choice tighthead is Dan Cole on crutches. There is no competition. There is no plan B that doesn't involve a gamble. That is the current situation.
That is not a criticism of Jones' choice of player. It seems quite likely he has the right of it. Nor is it meant to say that the other players are incapable of challenging Cole at some point in the future, possibly quite soon in the future. It is instead saying that they're currently not at that level of form and/or potential. No one knows for sure when any of them will be.
It is simply a bald statement of fact that as of now, England are very dependent on Dan Cole's continuing form and fitness.
LK
Ewels, Itoje, Kruis, Lawes, Launchbury, (Williams)
Many a word has been written in praise of England's second row power quartet. Joyous as it would be to write more, this is being written in quite a hurry due to the EPS being released quite a few days before, so let us just say the position is strong. Any combination of the four would register as quite acceptable in anyone's team, even New Zealand's.
The interesting decisions then are the two understudies. Neither of Charlie Ewels and Mike Williams are household names nor are they the obvious choices. Indeed, both are at clubs with more vaunted men; Attwood at Bath for Ewels, Slater and Kitchener at Tigers for Williams. The most obvious reason for these choices would seem to be that Jones believes he has the present locked down and is turning to prospects with the highest ceilings to fill out his squad. That seems reasonable but the identity of any development squad locks is now a matter of mild curiosity.
What should be expected of them? Ewels is the classic beanpole lock, although not particularly tall at 6'6". He has been highly thought of all the way through age grade, captaining England U20s, but he did not particularly show that promise on tour in South Africa. Given his age though - he is only 20 - that is not particularly surprising. If he stays as mobile while packing on the muscle, he has a fair chance of being another George Kruis. As for Williams - well, Leicester fans would say he's better discussed below
FL
Evans, Harrison, Haskell, Robshaw, Williams
The situation is reminiscent of that at tighthead; Haskell and Robshaw start unless badly injured. Of course, Haskell is badly injured, so now we must find out what will be done next.
Will Evans is probably not a live option just yet. He is after all, only 19 and 14 stone 4 lbs. His inclusion is a sign of his huge potential but it would be amazing if he replaced Haskell come the autumn.
Mike Williams is unlikely to either, being a definite blindside flanker. Being 24 and over 18 stones, he is physically ready to step in if called upon, but he needs Robshaw to fall over for that. Leicester fans have been very excited with him, so maybe he would be in line if that did happen. Maybe. Its quite possible one of the 8s or locks would benefit instead.
Of course the beneficiary to injury woes could be Teimana Harrison. Yes, he froze down under, but he showed definite signs of promise against Wales and should be stronger for both experiences. He's got aggression, he's got abrasiveness, he's got ability... has he got a future? Time will tell. Still, for now, it is not obvious which of these players would replace Haskell in the autumn. Perhaps none of them.
8
Beaumont, Clifford, Hughes, Vunipola
Apparently Jones has talked about Nathan Hughes as a possible Haskell replacement. And we know Jack Clifford can play openside too, to a certain level. We also know they're both capable of doing quite remarkable things on a rugby field. Likewise Josh Beaumont and,of course, Billy Vunipola.
The competition for England's number 8 shirt is currently quite nominal. Vunipola is the proven man, the rest are possible contenders, and Vunipola has no intention of letting anyone else advance beyond that point. Only the exiled Ben Morgan brings similar levels of experience. At some point though, the others will get chances and they will start to take them and we will have a real battle royale on.
As such, it is possible some of the players will start seeking to demonstrate their versatility. Beaumont, for example, is perfectly capable of playing lock (he is in fact the joint tallest man in this squad). Clifford has played all over the back row and while he needs to up his work rate and breakdown impact to be an England starter, he could well do so. Hughes is the only out and out 8 in the group - even Vunipola's played more elsewhere - but, as noted, Jones is thinking of him as an openside. Why not? He is effective at the breakdown, he is quick, and he is awesomely powerful. As a Haskell substitute, he is the most like for like in the squad. Definitely a case of watch this space.
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