George Ford is the latest England player to be ruled out of the summer tour of Japan and New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images/Tom Jenkins < p>England's announcement on Sunday that George Ford had been ruled out of the tour of Japan and New Zealand with an Achilles tendon problem sparked two reactions. Firstly, there is an exciting battle for the England number 10 shirt this summer between the two Smiths, Marcus and Fin, with the latter claiming his first Premier League win at the age of 22.
But what Ford also highlights is the lack that even in the first summer after the Rugby World Cup, which is usually chaotic in terms of turnover anyway, the amount of talent England will be without this year due to injury, suspension or retirement international level, great. /p>
High enough level, in fact, that you could quickly put together a whole XV of missing players who could have been part of the touring team had they been available.
Henry Arundell
Henry Arundell
strong>in full -back is the obvious place to start, playing for Racing 92 in the top 14. Even if England were to select players from France, there would be debate over whether Arundell would realistically be called up, given that the top 14 final is not until June 28 (Racing are currently sixth). This is a moot point at the moment, although Arundell has scored 10 tries in 19 matches since the World Cup.
Henry Arundell impressed with since joining Racing 92. Photo: Shutterstock/David Winter
Jack Nowell and < strong>Joe Marchantthere are two more options in France and they are not available. Nowell's longevity makes it easy to forget he's only 31 and has scored three goals in his last three games for La Rochelle, but that doesn't mean he's played for England since Steve Borthwick took over. Marchand, meanwhile, feels like a big mistake for England given the lack of depth in midfield.
Although it is clear that Manu Tuilagi and Owen Farrellcame to success. Neither had retired from Test rugby by the end of their time in England, although Tuilagi pulled a hamstring against Saracens last month so might not have gone on tour anyway. Elliot Daly, who remains a regular with four Six Nations starts, is staying at home ahead of the birth of his baby.
Ford's injury was untimely: he played well in Sale's semi-final defeat at Bath and became first choice against Ireland and France even after Marcus Smith returned. The Scrum half is actually a strength, and althoughDanny Carehas recently retired from testing, he hasn't slowed down either.
Ellis Gengeis huge absence at headless, even if it gives Fin Baxter the opportunity to gain experience, while at hookerCurtis Langdonwas in excellent late-season form for Northampton Saints, but picked up a shoulder injury in the final against Bath , which now has him removed from the tour. Kyle Sinclairquickly dropped out of Test competition after the World Cup and is now off to France, and it is unlikely that it has been long since he won three caps for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa.
Ellis Genge is likely to be sorely missed by England. Photo: Getty Images/David Rogers
Ollie Chessum injuryhas undermined England after they finished the Six Nations in fine form, while David Ribbans, who was in the Rugby World Cup squad, could be in contention for a spot in Chessum's absence. Ribbans is currently in France with Toulon.
Finally, in the back row, we can't forget Courtney Lawes, whose form since retiring from Test rugby has been superb for Northampton. Lawes admitted after the Premier League final that he still wants to represent the British and Irish Lions next summer. Jack Willis was sensational for Toulouse in their European Cup final victory and will be hoping to add another Top 14 title to his CV later this month. And No 8?
Billy Vunipola and Lewis Ludlum, who are both heading to France next season, will be up there too.
How many of these players are likely to be in England's starting XI? Ford, Genge, Chessum and possibly Laws, Willis, Farrell, Marchant and Daly. It feels like there is a lot of talent missing ahead of the first trip to New Zealand in a decade.
England unavailable XV
15 Henry Arundell (not eligible participate)
14 Jack Nowell (ineligible)
13 Jo Marchant (ineligible)
12 Owen Farrell (ineligible) or Manu Tuilagi (ineligible)
11 Elliot Daly (ineligible)
10 George Ford (injured)
9 Danny Care (withdrew)
1 Ellis Genge (injury)
2 Curtis Langdon (injury)
3 Kyle Sinclair (ineligible)
4 Ollie Chessum (injured)
5 David Ribbans (ineligible)
6 Courtney Lawes (withdrawn)
/>7 Jack Willis (ineligible)
8 Billy Vunipola (ineligible) or Lewis Ludlam (ineligible)
Courtney Lawes says England are 'harming themselves'; with policy towards foreign players. More details
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