Sam Underhill and Bevan Rodd are cut from Steve Borthwick's England training squad as 2023 Rugby World Cup looms

England have cut Bath flanker Sam Underhill and Sale prop Bevan Rodd from their World Cup training squad. Borthwick has trimmed his squad from 41 to 39 players as England step up their preparations for the World Cup in France which gets underway on September 8. Ad Underhill was one of England's key players in their run to the 2019 final, but has struggled with injuries since and faced heavy competition along the back row.

PremiershipEngland hooker Cowan-Dickie joins Sale Sharks, ends 13-year stay at Exeter Chiefs07/07/2023 AT 11:43 The group of 18 backs selected includes Owen Farrell, George Ford and Manu Tuilagi. The 21 forwards selected include Harlequins prop Joe Marler, who last played for England 18 months ago. Rodd's exit means Marler is in a good position to make the final squad of 33 which gets named on August 7.

The 33-year-old last played for England 18 months ago at the 2022 Six Nations. He had previously retired from international rugby in 2018. However, he has made himself available this year after Borthwick assured him he was in the running for the final 33-man squad.

Ikitau fractures shoulder blade, faces battle to be fit for Rugby World Cup New Zealand boost World Cup hopes with dominant win over South Africa Marler revealed last week that a face-to-face meeting with Borthwick this year convinced him to pursue another campaign and he could be set to take part in a third successive World Cup. The squad assembled at England's Bagshot training base on Monday following a warm-weather training camp in Italy last week. England Rugby confirmed that Ollie Chessum, Ollie Lawrence, Mako and Billy Vunipola and Jack Walker will also join the camp to continue their rehabilitation from injuries.