England Rugby World Cup squad announcement: Steve Borthwick names 33-man party

England head coach Steve Borthwick named his Rugby World Cup squad today.

There are seven omissions from the previous training squad. The most surprising absence is that of Exeter Chiefs centre Henry Slade.

Joe Marchant is preferred as a midfield option, along with the likes of Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence.

Along with Slade, there's no place for Jonny May, Joe Cokanasiga, Jamie Blamire, Alex Dombrandt, Tom Willis or Tom Pearson.

Billy Vunipola is the only No. 8 by trade available in the squad. Lewis Ludlam and Ben Earl are expected to provide cover should an injury crop up for Vunipola.

England World Cup squad

Forwards: Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 9 caps), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 100 caps), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 45 caps), Theo Dan (Saracens, 1 cap), Ben Earl (Saracens, 15 caps), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 49 caps), Jamie George (Saracens, 77 caps), Maro Itoje (Saracens, 67 caps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 97 caps), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 20 caps), Joe Marler (Harlequins, 79 caps), George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps), David Ribbans (Toulon, 6 caps), Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 3 caps), Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 62 caps), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 26 caps), Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 68 caps) , Jack Walker (Harlequins, 3 caps), Jack Willis (Toulouse, 10 caps)

Backs: Henry Arundell (Racing 92, 7 caps), Danny Care (Harlequins, 88 caps), Elliot Daly (Saracens, 57 caps), Owen Farrell (Saracens, 106 caps), George Ford (Sale Sharks, 82 caps), Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 11 caps), Max Malins (Bristol Bears, 19 caps), Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 16 caps), Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 22 caps), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 23 caps), Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 51 caps), Jack van Poortvliet