Jamie George and Manu Tuilagi are unlikely to fight for selection in 2027. Photo: Getty Images/Dan Mullan
England still have a bronze final to play at this Rugby World Cup, and after defeat to South Africa last weekend it now looks like an opportunity to give retiring players like Courtney Lawes some winning farewell after many years of excellent service.
Who will join Lowes for his final England cap and which squad players will return in 2027? Below, Telegraph Sport assesses the future of each England player.
*= injured and replaced in the lineup
Key
Definite = in the squad for the 2027 World Cup (barring injury)
Probably = expected to be included in the squad
Unlikely = you have to face this in the tournament
Farewell = no chance of making the squad
Back threeHenry Arundell
Age: 20
Caps: 9
RWC 2023 Appearances: 1
Five tries against Chile turned out to be his only appearance in the tournament, but he is too talented to be left out was in the next four years. Perhaps the big question is how England can make the most of their pace.
Verdict:Definite
Elliot Daly
Age: > 31
For the national team: 64
Participations in RWC 2023: 5
He has a lot to offer with his versatility and long-range shots on goal, and his physical performance in the semi-final was excellent, shinning through the air. Will all of this still count in his favor at age 35? Possibly, but other wings appear.
Verdict: Unlikely
Max Malins
Age: 26
< strong >Caps:22
Participations in RWC 2023: 1
He is hardly used in the England team, but age is on his side. He will need to impress at Bristol, where he is expected to play at full-back, to return to the starting spot.
Verdict:Unlikely
Johnny MayAge: 33
Caps: 77
Participations in RWC 2023: 5
It's incredible that he was such a consistent starter despite not being included in the original squad for the tournament. He suffered one stunning loss to Cheslin Kolbe in the semi-finals after putting on a strong performance. But it's hard to see him there in four years.
Verdict: Goodbye
Freddie Steward 
Freddie Steward was commanding under the high ball during the semi-final. Photo: EPA/Christophe Petit Tesson
Age: 22
National team: 30
Participations in RWC 2023: 4
Thrived in the conditions that were thrown at him on Saturday, catching whatever fell in the Parisian rain. It's the attacking side of his game that everyone wants to see more of, but he's absolutely committed.
Verdict:Definite
Anthony Watson*
Age : 29
For the national team: 56
Participations in RWC 2023: 0
It depends solely on his fitness, having been cruelly excluded from the tournament after working so hard in recent years to recover from long-term injuries. If he is available, he will be part of the team.
Verdict: Probably
Center Ollie Lawrence
Age: 24
Caps:20
RWC 2023 participations:6
Only one start against Chile, otherwise preferred option off the bench spare, but the year was great. As Tuilagi's age approaches, it's Lawrence's time.
Verdict:Certain
Joe Marchant
Age: 27
Caps: 25
RWC 2023 Participation: 6
Unlike Lawrence, Marchand started five times, including once on the wing against Samoa. Borthwick wants him back in the country with Stade Français as soon as possible. If he returns to the Premier League, he will go to the next World Cup.
Verdict:Definite
Manu Tuilagi
Age: >32
For the national team: 58
Participations in RWC 2023: 5
If this is the end, and now it seems so, then Tuilagi is at the peak. Moving abroad with big money means ending the career of a phenomenal talent that was so often spoiled by injury.
Verdict: Farewell
Fly halvesOwen Farrell 
Owen Farrell scores a goal about halfway through the semi-final. Photo: Getty Images/Adam Pretty
Age: 32
Caps: 111
RWC 2023 participation: 4
Early signs suggest England want their captain to continue leading the team, although given four years is a long time there must be at least curiosity on Farrell's part about league games for Wigan, he doesn't quite make it into the league. “definite” category.
Verdict: Probably
George Ford
Age: 30
Caps: 90
Participations in RWC 2023: 5
Deserved more than to play just three minutes in two knockout matches after his heroics against Argentina and Japan. But he may never be given the number 10 shirt on a permanent basis while alongside Farrell. You would understand if he made money overseas or was thinking about coming to the league. England will still use him at 34.
Verdict: Probably
Marcus Smith
Age: 24
Caps: 29
Participations in RWC 2023: 5
A conversion to fullback was not on anyone's radar at the start of the summer but has worked well, although England might have opted for a more physical Steward against South Africa had Smith been fit anyway. There is an intriguing timetable for Farrell and Ford to be out of the picture by 2027, with Smith becoming England's main man.
Verdict: Equivocal
Halves ScrumDanny Care< p> Age: 36
Caps: 95
Participations in RWC 2023: 5
A stunning footnote to his Test career, which he demonstrated so often in France, leaving you mourning the years spent in the international wilderness. He'll be gone in four years, but what a player.
Verdict: Farewell
Alex Mitchell
Age:26
Caps: 11
participations in RWC 2023 : 5
Like May, a crazy race coming from outside the team to a specific player in the starting lineup. Superbly struck the ball against South Africa, suggesting his all-round run is almost complete. Club leader for the number 9 shirt in the future.
Verdict:Definite
Jack van Poortvliet*
Age:22 < br />Caps: 14
Participation in the 2023 World Cup:0
An unfortunate ankle injury in the warm-up has ruled out Van Poorvliet's chance to go to the Rugby World Cup as an England starter, but he is sure to return to rival Mitchell. for the starting spot.
Verdict:Probably
Ben Youngs
Age: 34
Caps: < /strong>126
participations in RWC 2023:2
England's highest-scoring player deserves a fitting send-off in this week's third-place play-off. Never a starter in France (yet) but is an outstanding player for his country.
Verdict:Bye
PropsDan Cole
Age : < /strong>36
For the national team: 106
Participations in RWC 2023: 4
The semi-final was redeemed (before Ox Nche came on) in Cole's scrum nightmare in 2019, with his resurgence becoming one of England's sweetest stories under Borthwick. Worship on high.
Verdict: Farewell
Ellis Genge
Age: 28
Caps:< /strong> 57
RWC 2023 participations: 5
< p>Already a vice-captain, but will now become a key leader for England following Laws' departure. Should reach its peak by 2027, which is very interesting considering what it has already created.
Verdict: Definitely
Joe Marler 
Joe Marler (right) put in a great performance against South Africa. Photo: AFP/Anne-Christine Pujula
Age: 33
Caps: 88
RWC 2023 performances: 6
It made sense to start him against South Africa and he performed well in the scrum. It seems this is the end. In this case, the unique character will be skipped.
Verdict: Goodbye
Bevan Rodd
Age: 23
For the national team: 4
RWC 2023 entries:1
It's hard to say whether Borthwick's comment last week that Rodd could end up in 23rd place is true, or just what the manager said, but in this case Sale's best years are ahead of him at a young age. Currently just behind Genge in the pecking order.
Verdict:Probably
Kyle Sinclair
Age: 30
< strong>Caps:68
Participations in RWC 2023:5
Must learn from the South African scrum and bring back their best player for it. He still has a Test career ahead of him, but will he still be there in four years? Hard to say.
Verdict: Probably
Will Stewart
Age: 27
Caps: 32
RWC 2023 participations: 3
Three substitute appearances and then not selected for matchday squads in the playoffs, which doesn’t bode well . The jury is out on whether he can compete at the very top, but age is on his side.
Verdict:Unlikely
HookerTheo Dan
Age: 22
Caps: 6
Participations in RWC 2023: 3
< p>A remarkable journey from loan in the Championship to participation in the Rugby World Cup. Didn’t take to the field after Chile, more like an insurance policy, but the coaching staff speaks well of him. Need minutes at Saracens (or elsewhere).
Verdict:Probably
Jamie George
Age: 33
< strong>For the national team: 84
Participation in RWC 2023:5
Perhaps the most difficult player to classify. He will turn 37 at the next tournament, but England's depth without him at hooker is worrying. Can he play 100 caps, go on another Lions tour and retire? May be. Could he be the veteran hooker in the team in 2027, like we've seen with Shulk Brits and Deon Fourie in recent years for South Africa? Maybe. It all depends on whether his body and form continues into his 30s, or whether England's cupboard remains bare (Luke Cowan-Dickie returns from injury).
Verdict: Unlikely< /p>Jack Walker
Age: 27
Team for the national team: 5
Participations in RWC 2023: 1
Having only played 26 minutes in the entire tournament, it is difficult to know at this stage what England think of him in the long term. Of course, he could become the third prostitute again. Great for Harlequins since moving from Bath.
Verdict: Unlikely
LocksOllie Chessum
Age:23
For the national team: 17
Participations in RWC 2023: 6
In no case will he be there for four years, perhaps with his brother, under-20 captain Lewis, is also in the group. Continuing to build up your lineout experience seems key.
Verdict: Definite
Maro Itoje
Age: 28
Caps:75
RWC 2023 participations:5
He's certainly got another Rugby World Cup under his belt and his performance in the semi-final was one one of the best in some time. The only question is whether Itoje will decide to move abroad, disqualifying himself from running for office.
Verdict: Probably
Courtney Lawes 
Courtney Lawes has announced he will retire from England at the end of the World Cup. Photo: AFP/Anne-Christine Pujula
Age: 34
Caps: 105
Participations in RWC 2023: 5
(Useful for this exercise) has already confirmed that he will retire after Friday's bronze final. An impeccable player for his country, whose physical advantage will surely be squandered.
Verdict: Farewell
George Martin
Age: 22 < br />Caps: 9
RWC 2023 entries:6
South Africa's mauls simply aren't easy to break for most players. Martin's superb individual effort confirmed that he is here to stay. The only question really is whether he will partner with Chessum or Itoje.
Verdict:Determined
David Ribbans
Age: 28
For the national team: 10
Participation in RWC 2023: 1
I just met with Chile, and now I went to Toulon, having carried out my quarry test on pause. Young enough to technically return to the game at some point, but right now it's an uphill battle.
Verdict:Unlikely
Back RowTom Curry
Age: 25
Kolpachkov: 49
Participations in the 2023 World Cup: 4
Had a strange World Cup after being disqualified in the opening minutes of a match against Argentina and risking his life in a tackle against Fiji. Better in the semi-finals and will be a key leader in the team by 2027.
Verdict: Definite
Ben Earl 
Bean Earle was arguably England's best player at the World Cup. Photo: Getty Images/Michael Steele
Age: 25
Caps: 24
RWC 2023 appearances: 6
This is the dynamic form we have seen so often at club level and he has been at his best for England, making Earl arguably their best player at the World Cup. How can he not be involved in 2027?
Verdict:Definite
Lewis Ludlum
Age: 27
< strong>Caps:24
Participations in RWC 2023:3
In fact, he was supposed to wear number 20 in the match with South Africa, and, surprisingly, it was not used after the Chile game. He still has a great place in the team and is quite young.
Verdict:Probably
Sam Underhill
Age: 27
For national team: 29
Participations in RWC 2023: 0
Injury call when Jack Willis went down. If Underhill can find consistent form and return to action for Bath, there will no doubt be a place for him in the England squad. Judging by his recent achievements, that “if” seems quite significant.
Verdict: Unlikely
Billy Vunipola
Age: >30
Caps:75
RWC 2023 participations:5
All signs point to Vunipola leaving Saracens ” when his contract expired next summer to head overseas, which would either put his Test career on hold or possibly end it for good. A couple of miscues in the semi-final weren't the high note he deserved to go out on. Technically young enough to compete in 2027.
Verdict: Unlikely
Jack Willis*
Age: 26
Caps:15
Participations in RWC 2023: 1
Looked cheerful in the match with Chile, which made his injury at the end of the tournament even worse more disappointing. Signed a long-term contract with Toulouse to remain in France, which currently disqualifies him from playing for England. It all depends on when he returns to the Premier League.
Verdict:Unlikely
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