Brian Ashton’s 47-man squad suggests a general lack of direction for England’s Rugby World Cup preparation. The coach’s remark that he knows only five of his starting line up rang alarm bells several days ago, and this latest move is a clear indication that preparations are not where they should be so close to a major tournament.
Ashton was expected to name 40 players to attend a training camp in Portugal at the end of this month, and speculation had been rife about who would miss out and who would make the cut. Such a large squad means that nearly every realistic contender for a place in the final squad is included.

Danny Grewcock is the only notable absentee, missing out after being suspended – but England can do without him and his sin-binnings anyway. Veteran No.8 Lawrence Dallaglio is included, despite not playing for England since the 2006 Six Nations, but his return to the fold is a welcome one. With the management obviously dithering over which players to take to France, Dallaglio’s no-nonsense directness will be valuable.

Dan Cipriani, the Wasps full-back, and Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss are selected and I am hopeful they will make the final 30. Hipkiss has been in outstanding form for the Tigers this season, looking dangerous in attack and sturdy in defence, whilst Cipriani is an exceptional talent. Another benefit of naming such a large squad means that Ashton is able to include several recently injured players – Dan Ward-Smith, Mike Tindall and Charlie Hodgson – hoping that they can prove their fitness in time.

'One thing strikes me as I cast my eye over the squad – there are some outstanding players'

I am not one to dwell on the past, but it is difficult not to draw comparisons with 2003. England had won the Grand Slam and then beaten Australia and New Zealand on their summer tour. This year, England finished third in the Six Nations and conceded 113 points in two Tests in South Africa. Four years ago, Clive Woodward could probably have named 13 or 14 of his starting line-up – this year, we know what state the England management is in.

One thing strikes me as I cast my eye over the squad – there are some outstanding players. Ashton will have time over the summer with his players, which is usually a luxury he does not enjoy. He has the opportunity to galvanise these individuals into a credible unit with the ability to compete with the best in the world. By the time the final 30-man squad is named on August 14, we will have a better idea of how he has fared.

England’s World Cup training squad: Forwards: Steve Borthwick, George Chuter, Martin Corry, Lawrence Dallaglio, Louis Deacon, Nick Easter, Perry Freshwater, James Haskell, Andrew Hazell, Ben Kay, Magnus Lund, Lee Mears, Lewis Moody, Tom Palmer, Tom Rees, Mark Regan, Simon Shaw, Andrew Sheridan, Matt Stevens, Phil Vickery, Dan Ward-Smith, Julian White, Joe Worsley, Kevin Yates