Jones drops Haskell but insists door is not shut

Eddie Jones insists James Haskell still has an England future despite omitting the veteran Wasps flanker from his training squad for the autumn opener against Argentina.

When fit haskell has been an ever-present under Jones, but the 75-cap back row, who toured New Zealand with the Lions during the summer, has paid the price for a sluggish start to the season.

A thumb injury has proved troublesome and now he has seen Exeter’s Sam Simmonds elevated above him in the pecking order. Simmonds makes his first appearance in a senior England squad alongside more established prospects Sam Underhill and Tom Curry – but Jones insists it is not the end for Haskell, 32.

“I went up and had a chat to James on Saturday. He’s just not playing well enough at the moment, but the door is never shut on him,” Jones said.

“We know he’s a great player and has been a great servant to English rugby for several years and for close to 80 caps. I am sure he can regain his form.”

There were few surprises among the 34-man squad that will train in Portugal next week ahead of Argentina’s visit to Twickenham on 11 November.

Marland Yarde has lost out to Denny Solomona even though the rugby league convert was sent home in disgrace from England’s training camp in August for engaging in a late night drinking session with the now-injured Manu Tuilagi.