Winger Strettle handed Saxons role as Lancaster forced into ‘tough decisions’

Lancaster’s 32-strong England elite and England Saxons squads contain many familiar faces.

But those who did not make the senior party include Saracens wing David Strettle and Wasps flanker James Haskell, who were both part of last month’s three-Test South Africa tour but have to settle for Saxons spots.

There are call-ups, though, for Leicester trio Anthony Allen, Geoff Parling and Thomas Waldrom, Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care, Saracens back Alex Goode, London Irish centre Jonathan Joseph and Exeter flanker Tom Johnson.

“We spent a long time deciding on these 64, and there were some tough decisions to make,” head coach Lancaster said.

“Selecting players at this stage gives us an early chance to sit down and assess the tour and look forward to next season.

“However, experience tells us that form and fitness will play a major role in selection prior to the QBE internationals in November and December, and any of the players in the senior and Saxons squads could easily be involved.

“We saw this in January when Geoff Parling came in as an injury replacement for Louis Deacon and has played every Test since.”

There is no place in either group for fly-half Danny Cipriani, who will make his Premiership return with Sale next term following a Super Rugby stint at Melbourne Rebels.