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England captain faces the chop

Former England captain Steve Borthwick is expected to be the notable omission from Martin Johnson's elite squad when it is announced on Friday.

Thursday, 01 July 2010

Sportal.co.nz

Former England captain Steve Borthwick is expected to be the notable omission from Martin Johnson's elite squad when it is announced on Friday.

Borthwick, 30, was Johnson's first choice as captain and he led England for 20 consecutive Tests over two years before being sidelined by a knee injury.

The Saracens lock missed England's final Six Nations game against France and the tour to Australia and New Zealand, with Lewis Moody successfully taking over as captain.

Moody became only the second man in history, after Johnson himself in 2003, to captain England to a Test win over the Wallabies in Australia.

Borthwick has not only lost the captaincy but now appears to have paid the ultimate price by slipping out of England's senior squad at the start of a vital World Cup season.

Gloucester's uncapped lock Dave Attwood is line for a promotion as one of four locks in the 32-man party after impressing Johnson with his performances for England's midweek team on tour.

Tom Palmer and Courtney Lawes, who made an eye-catching full debut as England drew the series with the 21-20 victory in Sydney, are certainties while veteran Simon Shaw is set to retain his place.

England used 46 players during their five-match tour and Johnson left New Zealand at the end of last week with a few other tough decisions to make.

It is conceivable that hooker Lee Mears and wing Ugo Monye, both of whom were British and Irish Lions Test players last summer, could also miss out on selection.

Mears has dropped behind George Chuter in the pecking order while Steve Thompson and Dylan Hartley are set to fill the other two hooking berths.

Monye is more likely to get the nod but he is competing with Matt Banahan and David Strettle for two wing places. Mark Cueto and Chris Ashton are guaranteed selections.

Mathew Tait lost his place in the Test 22 during the tour and is likely to be replaced by Wasps centre Dominic Waldouck while Riki Flutey could return from injury.

Jonny Wilkinson and Toby Flood are likely to be the first five-eighths with Ben Youngs, Danny Care and Joe Simpson the halfback options.

Up front, Andrew Sheridan is fit again after missing most of last season and he would strengthen England's already impressive front row options if called upon.

Phil Vickery could also come into consideration, though Dan Cole and David Wilson represent the future and Johnson clearly has to start thinking about the World Cup.

Dan Ward-Smith and Chris Robshaw have both pressed their cases for selection in the back row, while Hendre Fourie, Steffon Armitage and Tom Rees are competing for places as Moody's openside understudy.

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