Gloucester's England Hopefuls

Forwards

Trevor Woodman

Trevor Woodman has been on and off the England scene for a while. He has always been a favorite of Clive's, who once asked the club to play him as hooker as he felt that would be the best way to get him in to the England side. However in the last season Trevor has come in to his own as a prop, playing a big part in the victorious 6 nations front row. A certainty for the squad, and will likely feature in the first team at some stage.

 

Phil Vickery

Phil Vickery is one of England's greatest assets, a world class scrummager, strong tackler and a "Raging Bull" with ball in hand. He has captained England on a few occasions now in the absence of Martin Johnson, and despite missing out on the 6 nations because of a back injury he is ready and raring to go in the World Cup. If anyone will be up for it he will, and no sane man would bet against him being the number 1 prop.

 

Andy Hazell

Has really come in to his own this season, establishing himself as one of England's most promising back rows. Strong defensively and very fast with the ball in hand. May possibly be included in the 30 man squad, however unlikely he will have much part to play in the more challenging matches.

 

James Forrester

James Forrester has been hailed as bit of a prodigy, after a fantastic couple of seasons for Gloucester. Not your typical build for a back row, he's tall and skinny and has pace like no other back row in the country. People will remember when he skinned Jonah Lomu to score for England against the Barbarians. Hit and miss whether he will be included, but if he is he could feature as an attacking option.

Alex Brown

Alex Brown, who has recently joined Gloucester from Bristol, has been on the edge of the England scene for some time. He has featured strongly for England A but has yet to really get a chance for the full side. He's included in the official 50 but has not been invited to training. Unlikely to make the final 30 but you never now what's going through Clive's head. Expect surprises.

 

Backs

Andy Gomarsall

Not a favorite of Clive, but for me is a class ahead of Saracen's Kyran Bracken. He snipes through gaps from behind the scrum and is as inventive and reliable a scrum half as you will find. Probably third choice for England behind Dawson and Bracken. His inclusion will hinge on whether Woodward includes Austin Healey as a utility back.

 

James Simpson-Daniel

Probably the most controversial of the Gloucester players. Without a doubt a fantastic young talent, and he also skinned big Jonah Lomu when playing for England against the all blacks. Fantastic pace and an eye for the line, he can also has a knack for setting up tries. I don't think England can afford not to include him. On the big stage he will cause damage, especially as a bit of an unknown threat.