Strettle and Worsley miss out
Martin Johnson today singled out David Strettle for sympathy after the Saracens winger was among five England players released from the World Cup squad.
Strettle, 28, who missed out on the 2007 World Cup through injury, has dropped behind uncapped Gloucester winger Charlie Sharples in the pecking order and will return to Vicarage Road to join his club's pre-season camp.
Strettle joins Joe Worsley, James Simpson-Daniel, George Chuter and Thomas Waldrom in missing out, as Johnson reduces his squad to 40 ahead of this Saturday's warm-up clash with Wales at Twickenham when England will wear their new Nike black kit, which was unveiled today.
"All the decisions have all been tough because everyone has contributed," Johnson said. "It's particularly tough on Stretts whose trained particularly well. He's barely put a foot wrong.
"Joe Worsley has come back from injuries at the tail end but just came up short."
Johnson names his starting line-up on Thursday for the first of three warm up games and indicated Mike Tindall will be in contention for selection seven days after his wedding to Zara Phillips.
Johnson also hinted uncapped Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi will make the 30-man World Cup squad, to be announced on August 22.