Well this time yesterday, I was preparing to write a piece about how Andy Farrell's inclusion in the England side is a good thing, now I will have to rethink that. But a quick word about Farrell. I believe that his inclusion was a good thing, not necessarily because he is the best inside centre in the country, but because he is the best inside centre in England's world cup squad! Barkley hasn't inspired playing there, and Catt is very much past it, and Flood has been brought into the squad to replace Noon, who quite frankly, isn't international class. Flood could be brought in, in my view that would be the best answer, if he had been playing in the games already, but as he hadn't, it has to be Barkley, unfortunately. I do feel we would be lightweight in the backs and Hipkiss should be included, but the only way I think that will happen now is if Lewsey is moved to 12, a position he has played for Wasps. Well, we find out tomorrow what Ashton will do with his team now. The people I feel sorry for, are all the journos, as without Farrell in the team, who will they blame now when England get trounced!
The other contentious issue, is recalling Phil Vickery. Yes he is the official captian, but that doesn't give him a right to be in the team. Matt Stevens has been playing really well, and will be gutted to have lost his place. And also, what has Tom Rees done wrong? Only natural openside flanker in the squad, and he can't get a game. Oh well, that's England for you!
My real hope is that we don't get beaten too badly (you never know, we might win, shocks happen), and then we can move on from this world cup, and Ashton is allowed the chance to build his own team for the future and shift out the dead wood once and for all. Let's get some young exciting English players in the team and see what they can do! The modern game is all about pace and power. Let's embrace it and move forwards!
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