Rugby World Cup 2023: The Flanker predicts the starting England XV

England won the Autumn Nations Cup last month, but have their eyes on a far bigger prize in 2023

Credit: Adrian Dennis/Getty Images

The draw for the 2023 Rugby World Cup is in the books and the countdown to France has officially begun.

England have been drawn in Pool D and will play a currently resurgent Argentina along with Eddie Jones’ old side Japan in the group stages - with two more teams yet to be decided.

A quarter-final against one of Wales, Australia or Fiji looks likely and England fans are already eyeing up a tantalising tilt at the title that so cruelly escaped them in 2019.

With the Autumn Nations Cup having been concluded, and England emerged victorious, we can sit safe in the knowledge that rugby is back on track following a disastrous 2020.

With that, we can also begin to look ahead towards the showpiece in France in just under three years time.

We at The Flanker have pulled out our crystal balls in the same way that we predicted the starting team for the first Lions test in South Africa and turned our attention to who will be wearing the white jersey of England in the tournament opener.

With established players facing heavy competition and some older boys not guaranteed to make the tournament, we take all things into account and present to you each of our individual picks for the England starting XV at Rugby World Cup 2023.

1 - Loosehead prop

Jack Colwill - Ellis Genge

Mako Vunipola will still be around in three years’ time one would think, but the rate Genge is progressing there’s no way he doesn’t wrestle away the starting jersey. His aggression, physicality and sheer bloody-mindedness will be more effective going forward against the world’s big hitters than Mako’s more thoughtful approach to prop play.

Christy O’Brien - Mako Vunipola 

At 29 age isn’t a problem for the Saracens loosehead and he will be the grizzled veteran near 100 caps that this youthful side need by the time 2023 rolls around. His open play, scrummaging and defence are all world class and he just edges Ellis Genge who will be sure to make an impact off the bench.

Tom Hitchenor - Ellis Genge

The Baby Rhino is seriously threatening Mako Vunipola’s place now in 2020 so give him another three years and he will have overtaken the Saracens stalwart. His set piece game and rugby nous has come on leaps and bounds in the past 18 months to couple the explosive ability he always possessed.

2 - Hooker

Jack - Jamie George

It will be getting towards his last hurrah in a white shirt but George should hold his spot under Eddie Jones over the next few years. His hat-trick against Georgia, while not exactly taking down a giant of the game, was statement enough as to what he still offers this England team. Luke Cowan-Dickie may have something to say about this though.

Christy - Luke Cowan-Dickie 

As there was a changing of the guard following Dylan Hartley’s departure from the squad in 2018, I feel something similar will happen in the next three years with Jamie George. Cowan-Dickie has been groomed for years off the bench and he now has the big match experience with Exeter to be called on in the international scene. Recurring injuries is the only thing standing in his way.

Tom - Jamie George

Will be 33 when France 2023 rolls around but - given he stays fit - will surely still be the starting hooker. Luke Cowan-Dickie will be hoping to force his way into the shirt with Tom Dunn, Harry Thacker and emerging talent Alfie Barbeary also waiting in the wings. However, George’s all round ability sure means he gets the nod.

3 - Tighthead prop

Kyle Sinckler will be a hard man to dislodge before the 2023 World Cup

Credit: Getty Images

Jack - Kyle Sinckler

By a distance England’s best option in this position. Paul Hill will mount a stern challenge but Sinckler’s ability to handle the ball and bring blood and thunder to the party - along with a vastly improved scrummaging game - will see him remain number one into 2023.

Christy - Kyle Sinckler

Perhaps one area where Jones will look to create more strength in depth, but the starting spot is nailed on. Unless someone bursts onto the scene Sinckler has firm control of the tighthead shirt. Although Bristol fans may not have seen his best yet, he always performs for the Red Rose and will be one of the first names on the team sheet by the time 2023 rolls round.

Tom - Kyle Sinckler

Arguably one of the best tightheads in the world - Sinckler will only be 30 in 2023 and England fans will be hoping he is still at his imperious best then. His ball skills are outstanding and is capable of demolishing opposition scrums on his day. Will Stuart and Paul Hill still some way off the Sinck.

4 - Lock

Jack - Maro Itoje

One of the few genuine guarantees for this side. Unless something pretty remarkable happens, he will continue to be the lynchpin for this England forward pack for years to come. Walk-up starter and a key part of the leadership of the team.

Christy - Maro Itoje

The perfect lock in today’s game, Itoje can do it all. Uber-athletic, dominates the set piece, riles opposition players up and defends like a lion, Itoje has been brilliant for some years and is a future captain.

Tom - Maro Itoje

Simply a nailed on guaranteed starter and will still be under 30 at the next World Cup. A frightening prospect for England’s rivals to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy.

5 - Lock

Jack - Joel Kpoku

The first of the real up-and-comers I’m backing to break into the team full-time. Has proven already in a write-off Saracens season the qualities he possesses, which Eddie will not ignore for long. Just needs to hope his loyalty to relegated Saracens doesn’t derail his development.

Christy - Jonny Hill

Enjoyed a breakout 2019-20 season with Exeter which saw him lift the double, Hill has clearly impressed Eddie Jones and the 26-year-old Hill will be in his prime by the time 2023 rolls around. You will be hard- pressed to find a better lock partnership at this World Cup.

Tom - Charlie Ewels

The competition to partner Itoje is intriguing but the Bath man is unlucky not to have earned more caps given his amazing consistency in the Gallagher Premiership. A brilliant lineout operator and will cover every blade of grass, Ewels was named club captain at just 24 last season. He edges out Jonny Hill and Joe Launcbury for me.

6 - Blindside flanker

Jack - Tom Curry

It’s tough on Underhill, but one of them has to miss out to accommodate Jack Willis and Curry has been the leading man for England when called upon. Still only 22 and already being counted among the world’s leading back rowers. The sky's the limit.

Christy - Tom Curry 

Remarkable breakthrough into the international team has given England their cornerstone in the back row for the next decade. At 21 he has already acquired big-game experience at the 2019 World Cup and this four year cycle will make him an even better player by the time 2023 comes around.

Tom - Tom Curry

Underhill and Curry have been a phenomenal double act in the past 18 months but Curry just has the edge for me given his all round game. He can tackle, jackal and carry whereas Underhill would probably be the first to admit he only really possesses the first of those two traits. Could easily go to the 2027 tournament as well as a mainstay of England’s pack.

7 - Openside flanker

Jack Willis is the hot topic in English rugby right now - will his form lead him to France in 2023?

Credit: PA

Jack - Jack Willis

I don’t see at this point in time how it’s not going to be. By far the best ruck operator in the country, an engine anyone would be proud of and tough as nails. Will only continue to improve as he gets time and learning opportunities for club and country. Could be among the world’s very best by 2023.

Christy - Sam Underhill

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Although they have a surplus of riches in the back row Underhill still stands out. While maybe not as flashy as some, Underhill is a world class defensive operator and that is what will be the difference come the latter stages in France. Jack Willis and others will be banging on the door however.

Tom - Jack Willis 

The fact that the 2019-20 Gallagher Premiership Player of the Year could only get a handful of minutes at this year's Autumn Nations Cup is staggering and testament to the back row depth England can boast. He must surely be given an extended run under Eddie Jones but other challengers include previously mentioned Underhill, Lewis Ludlam and Ted Hill.

8 - Number 8

Jack - Billy Vunipola

He will be clinging on for dear life as Alex Dombrandt makes his charge but has enough time on his side to see him through to 2023. Still one of the world’s most destructive ball carriers on his day, even if he could currently do with a couple of big days out to keep the wolf from the door in terms of competition.

Christy - Alex Dombrandt

Perhaps the biased Harlequins fan in me wants to have some representation in the starting team, but the argument for Dombrandt is compelling. With Billy Vunipola getting on in age England need another ball carrier that can be relied on time after time. Although maybe a little rough around the edges, the former Cardiff Met student with deft hands can be honed into a world class number 8 if given the opportunities.

Tom - Ben Earl

Billy Vunipola unfortunately misses out as his body can no longer keep up with the physical demands of modern rugby. Injuries have littered the past few years of his career and given how ruthless Jones is with selection (see Danny Care and Dylan Hartley) I can’t envisage him starting in France 2023. Earl gets the nod over Alex Dombrandt for me though Jones may favour the sizable bulk of the latter.

9 - Scrumhalf

Jack - Jack Maunder

Already on Eddie’s radar and been in previous squads, and now a double-winner to boot. The progression he is showing will make it very hard for Ben Youngs to cling onto his place by 2023. He may not be as explosive as the Leicester man or Dan Robson but his game management is verging on impeccable already at club level, which often matters more in Test rugby.

Christy - Ben Spencer

Given the obvious admiration from Eddie Jones, Ben Youngs can’t be left out of the discussion come 2023 but Spencer is perhaps the best replacement the Aussie will be looking for. Not a ‘sniper’ round the fringes like Dan Robson, Spencer does have a pin-point kicking game and has come on leap and bounds at Bath. The best bet when the post-Youngs era begins.

Tom - Ben Spencer

Bath seems to suit Spencer down to the ground. The past six months, since he joined on loan in June, have seen the Stockport born scrumhalf produce some of the best rugby of his career. Ben Youngs will be 35 in 2023 and either Dan Robson or Spencer have to be the next cab off the rank. Alex Mitchell and the Maunder brothers are most definitely in the mix too.

10 - Flyhalf

Will Marcus Smith be wearing the England 10 jersey in 2023? One of us thinks so…

Credit: David Rogers/Getty

Jack - Owen Farrell (c)

The England captain. Simple as that. He is England’s focal point, their leader and the best goal kicker in the international game at present. He will continue in his rightful role at 10 and will still be leading this team in 2023 into his last stand as an international player.

Christy - George Ford 

Perhaps not the most popular player at The Flanker HQ, but the Leicester Tigers 10 always delivers for England despite his defensive issues. If he and the inside centre in this team are fit and healthy, Eddie Jones will have no hesitation to go for a partnership he has stuck with since 2016. 

Tom - Marcus Smith

George Ford is always a safe option and there is no reason why he shouldn’t be in the squad but Smith is simply X-Factor. The Phillipines-born fly half has been earmarked by Jones since he was 18 and the time has to be now for his England debut. It’s a close call between him and Joe Simmonds (with Jacob Umaga also very special) but with the steady presence of Farrell outside him - Smith could be let loose to unlock opposition defences.

11 - Left wing

Jack - Joe Cokanasiga

Jonny May is the wrong side of 30 already and this absolute weapon is already breathing down his neck. Offers a point of difference to the England back division that no-one else has and is someone opposition teams will take a second glance at.

Christy - Jonny May 

Three years is a long time but if May can keep his lightning pace there’s no reason to drop him. Defensive issues persist over Cokanasiga and others while May hares after kick returns like his life depends on it. There’s also the small matter of him being one of the best finishers in world rugby and a continued improvement in his aerial game. Let's hope he ages like a fine wine.

Tom - Joe Cokanasiga

Let’s face it - Eddie Jones likes a bit of beef which makes it even more curious that the 6ft4 19st slab of steak hasn’t got more than nine caps. With question marks seemingly still surrounding Elliot Daly’s credentials as a back three player and Jonny May perhaps seeing better days - the big man should expect to add many more appearances for the Red Rose on his CV.

12 - Inside centre

Jack - Ollie Lawrence

Eddie having already taken him into the squad and giving him games from the off is a statement of intent as to how much he values this kid. With Manu Tuilagi at a crossroads in terms of injury and age, there is an opportunity for Lawrence to book his place at the 2023 tournament.

Christy - Owen Farrell (c)

The heart and soul of this team, England are an immeasurably better outfit when the Saracens player is on top form. His relentless desire to improve himself and his team means age isn’t an issue. With Eddie Jones seeking a defensive juggernaut by the time 2023 rolls around, Farrell is the hard-nosed player to lead that team.

Tom - Owen Farrell (c) 

Farrell is England’s leader, captain and points machine. In terms of test match experience, nous and game management there is no one better. Arguably out of position at 12 but he gets into this team any which way or how.

13 - Outside centre

Jack - Henry Slade

The literal smooth operator. His left-footed kicking options are the least of the reasons he currently has a mortgage on the England midfield. A tried and trusted soldier for Eddie who could strike up a dangerous partnership with Lawrence in time as he has done with Manu Tuilagi.

Christy - Henry Slade

The brains to perhaps a slightly brawny England team. Slade is finally delivering on the promise he showed in his early career and will be the man for the 13 shirt with an almost perfect all round game. Passing, kicking, running, defending; the Chiefs star can simply do it all.

Tom - Henry Slade

Slade has been one of England’s most consistent performers over the last year and deservedly keeps his place at 13. With Manu Tuilagi injury riddled, Ollie Lawrence still yet to claim the shirt and Jonathan Joseph out of the picture in terms of starting, Slade gets the nod. His left foot, ability to glide round defenders and playmaking skills are vital to unlocking the wide channels.

14 - Right wing

Jack - Ollie Thorley

If Eddie is serious about rewarding performance at club level (and that is another discussion) then Thorley should have more than his one cap off the bench already. Consistently now among the best wingers in the Premiership and is getting better every year.

Christy - Ollie Hassell-Collins 

Perhaps the most left field pick on this list, 21-year-old Hassell-Collins has all the tools to be the next Jonny May - something Eddie Jones would absolutely love to have with kick chase becoming ever more important to England and modern rugby. Expect the London Irish youngster to get a shot on England’s Americas tour next summer and kick on in the lead up to 2023.

Tom - Jack Nowell

An outstanding player whose work rate is one of his best attributes. A constant line breaker when he comes into contact, strong in defence and not afraid to do the dirty work - Nowell is a great team man and fends off the competition from bolters like Ollie Thorley, Ollie Hassell-Collins and Zach Kibirige.

15 - Fullback

Anthony Watson was our unanimous choice for the 15 jersey

Credit: PA Wire

Jack - Anthony Watson

Amazing to think he is only 26 - seems to have been around a long time. The Daly at fullback attempt will ultimately be allowed to move aside and Watson will take the 15 jersey that seemed promised to him when Mike Brown retired. A genuine game-breaker and safe pair of hands all in one.

Christy - Anthony Watson 

Elliot Daly is a firm Eddie Jones favourite but with the coach stating a change in style will happen after the Lions tour, his time could be up. Who better to fill the void than Watson, who is exceptional wherever he plays in the back three . An underrated kicking game and elusive running means he will get his shot at 15 in time for the next World Cup. 

Tom - Anthony Watson

The British and Irish Lion should play in his favourite position of 15 where his positional play and skill at coming into the line when in possession gets the best out of the speed demon. Max Malins and George Furbank provide options as playmaking fullbacks whereas the quality of Elliot Daly can’t be ignored but Watson on his day is one of the best back three players in Europe.