England: Luke Cowan-Dickie ruled out of World Cup as training squad confirmed

Luke Cowan-Dickie will miss the World Cup with a shoulder injury, with Alex Mitchell and Zach Mercer surprise omissions from England’s main 41-man training squad.

Frontline hooker Cowan-Dickie has been battling neck problems for months, but has now succumbed to a shoulder issue that has ruled him out of the France World Cup in September.

Saracens’ uncapped front-rower Theo Dann has forced his way into the training squad and has a fine chance of making the World Cup.

Newcastle’s Jamie Blamire and Saracens stalwart Jamie George are the other hookers in the squad with Jack Walker still recovering from a knee issue.

Harlequins veteran Danny Care has been preferred to Northampton’s Alex Mitchell at scrum-half, while Bordeaux’s Saracens-bound Tom Willis has been given the nod ahead of Zach Mercer.

“Despite all his incredible hard work and progress, Luke’s shoulder has not improved sufficiently for him to be considered for selection for the World Cup,” said Borthwick, of Cowan-Dickie.

“We wish him a swift recovery and hope to see him back playing very soon.”

Head coach Borthwick has included five uncapped players in his 41-man squad, with Quins wing Cadan Murley joined by powerful flanker Tom Pearson, hooker Dan, Gloucester’s Val Rapava Ruskin and Willis.

Captain Owen Farrell leads an 11-strong cast list of Premiership finalists selected after mandatory rest period, with Manu Tuilagi included and in prime condition.

Mako Vunipola will remain with the squad to continue recovery from a back issue, with Ollie Chessum, Ollie Lawrence, Billy Vunipola and Walker also still battling injuries.

Borthwick said: “We’re excited to be able to bring a full training squad together for the first time and focus on the next stage of our World Cup preparations.”

Forwards: J Blamire (Newcastle), D Cole (Leicester), T Curry (Sale), T Dann (Saracens), A Dombrandt (Harlequins), B Earl (Saracens), E Genge (Bristol), J George (Saracens), J Hill (Sale), M Itoje (Saracens), C Lawes, L Ludlam (both Northampton), J Marler (Harlequins), G Martin (Leicester), T Pearson (London (Irish), V Rapava Ruskin (Gloucester), D Ribbans (Sale), B Rodd (Sale), K Sinckler (Bristol), W Stuart, S Underhill (both Bath), J Willis (Toulouse), T Willis (Bordeaux).

Backs: H Arundell (London Irish), D Care (Harlequins), J Cokanasiga (Bath), E Daly (Saracens), O Farrell (Saracens), G Ford (Sale), M Malins (Saracens), J Marchant (Harlequins), J May (Gloucester), C Murley (Harlequins), G Porter (Leicester), H Slade (Exeter), M Smith (Harlequins), F Steward (Leicester), M Tuilagi (Sale), J Van Poortvliet (Leicester), A Watson, B Youngs (both Leicester).