Head coach Steve Borthwick has named a 38-man training squad for Brighton, a squad whose ranks have swollen by 10 from the one named June 12.

While the latest squad includes the players who were involved in Gallagher Premiership semifinal, there are three players missing, despite the increase in size.

There appears to be no room for Harry Randall, Ollie Hassell-Collins and Ben Spencer. 

While an injury explanation has been given for Ollie Lawrence and Jack Walker – both have picked up lower limb niggles – there is no such explanation for Randall, Hassell-Collins or Spencer. 

There is also a mention for Billy Vunipola, Ollie Chessum and Luke Cowan-Dickie, who all remain in camp to continue their rehabilitation from injury.

England men's head coach Steve Borthwick has named an expanded 38-player training squad for the second Rugby World Cup preparation camp in Brighton

Players from Premiership finalists Saracens and Sale are not available for selection

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) June 19, 2023

The move suggests that all three are on be on outer in terms of Borthwick’s Rugby World Cup selection.

In the case of scrumhalves Randall and Spencer, it would seem Borthwick prefers Danny Care, Ben Youngs, Jack van Poortvliet and Alex Mitchell, who are fighting it out for the three likely berths at nine.

In the case of Hassell-Collins, it appears he has lost out to one of Joe Cokanasiga, Jonny May, Anthony Watson or Tommy Freeman in his battle to make it onto England’s wing for the flagship tournament in France.

England’s Summer Series matches start against Wales at Principality Stadium on Aug. 5, followed by a rematch at Twickenham Stadium on Aug. 12. 

They then face Ireland at Aviva Stadium on Aug. 19 and play Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on Aug. 26.