England coach axes 2019 World Cup star from the squad

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick has trimmed his squad from 41 to 39 players as England step up their preparations for the 2023 World Cup in France.

Borthwick has opted to cut Bath flank Sam Underhill and Sale Sharks prop Bevan Rodd from the World Cup training squad.

Underhill featured in the England squad that played the 2019 World Cup final against the Springboks in Japan.

However, he has been struggling with injuries.

Ollie Chessum, Ollie Lawrence, Mako and Billy Vunipola and Jack Walker will join the camp to continue their rehabilitation from injury.

England's first warm-up match for the World Cup is against Wales in Cardiff on August 5.

England training squad:

Forwards: Jamie Blamire, Dan Cole, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Jonny Hill, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Joe Marler, George Martin, Tom Pearson, Val Rapava-Ruskin, David Ribbans, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart, Jack Willis, Tom Willis.

Backs: Henry Arundell, Danny Care, Joe Cokanasiga, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Jonny May, Cadan Murley, Guy Porter, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Manu Tuilagi, Jack van Poortvliet, Anthony Watson, Ben Youngs