Martin Johnson has released five players from England’s 45-man Rugby World Cup preliminary training squad.
Ahead of the Investec International against Wales at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday (2.30pm kick-off), hooker George Chuter, wing pair James Simpson-Daniel and David Strettle, flanker Joe Worsley and No.8 Thomas Waldrom have left the group.
Team Manager Johnson cited injuries and ability for players to participate in their club pre-season schedules as the main reasons for the cut in squad numbers at this stage.
He said: "Thomas had an injury to his calf and he hasn't been able to train that much. He has gone back to Leicester to participate in their pre-season.
"The other decisions have all been tough because everyone has participated and contributed.
"It is particularly tough on Stretts [Strettle] because he has trained very, very well. Simpson-Daniel has had a couple of niggling injuries and a bit of illness.
On Worsley, he added: "Joe has come back from some injuries last year and worked incredibly hard to get back in but has come up a little bit short right now."
Further details to follow.
