England World Cup squad: Steve Borthwick includes Zach Mercer, Joe Marler and Danny Care
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Number eight Zach Mercer has been named in England’s first Rugby World Cup training squad, with Harlequins pair Joe Marler and Danny Care also recalled to a 28-player group that assembled at Pennyhill Park on Monday morning. The initial training squad does not include any players from the four Gallagher Premiership semi-finalists, who are serving five mandatory weeks off and will be phased back in over the next two weeks as Steve Borthwick’s side begin to build towards the tournament in France this autumn. Fellow Exeter leaver Jack Nowell also confirmed last month that he would not be part of England’s World Cup plans. 28-player training squad: Forwards Jamie Blamire Alex Dombrandt Tom Dunn Charlie Ewels Ellis Genge Ted Hill Joe Marler Zach Mercer Beno Obano Tom Pearson Val Rapava-Ruskin Kyle Sinckler Will Stuart Sam Underhill Jack Walker Backs Henry Arundell Danny Care Joe Cokanasiga Ollie Hassell-Collins Will Joseph Ollie Lawrence Joe Marchant Jonny May Cadan Murley Harry Randall Henry Slade Marcus Smith Ben Spencer