Eddie Jones will today name his 31-man England squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan – despite the deadline being nearly a month away.
England, who defeated Wales 33-19 at Twickenham on Sunday, will play two more warm-up matches before their campaign begins in the Pacific; facing Warren Gatland’s side again on August 17 in Cardiff before facing Ireland at Twickenham on August 24.
Nations have until September 8 to confirm their squads, but Jones hopes that naming his early he hoped to establish one of the most unified England squads to have ever played at a World Cup.
"We will name a very strong squad of 31 on Monday,” said Jones. “We want the players to focus on being the tightest and most cohesive England squad ever to have played in a World Cup and we have the opportunity to do that."
"We've had a squad of around 36-38 and there's been a great competitive spirit. Everyone wants to play for England, they know they have a good chance to win the World Cup - today was just a selection day.
Tom Curry was forced off the pitch at Twickenham, but Jones suggested the Sale star would be fit enough for Japan – with the injury deemed not “too serious”.
"We know where the injuries are and we know who is going to be available and who is not," he explained.
