Daly misses out on Barbarians as Jones hints at a strong XV

ELLIOT Daly’s fitness has emerged as a concern for England as they step up preparations for Sunday’s curtain raiser to the autumn against the Barbarians.

Daly has been ruled out of the non-cap international at Twickenham because of a longstanding leg issue that requires closer examination, resulting in his omission from Eddie Jones’ 32-man training squad.

Also missing is Joe Marler, whose knee problem will take at least another two weeks to heal, meaning he will sit out the Barbarians clash and climax to the 2020 Six Nations against Italy six days later when England are playing for the title.

“Elliot has had a bump on his leg for a good period of time. It hasn’t really worried him and he’s been able to train,” Jones said.

“We’re not sure what’s wrong so we’re going to get some tests done and we’ll wait and see what the answer is. I’d rather not say which part of his leg it is, let’s just wait and see.

“We’ll do all the various tests and he’ll see a consultant and then we’ll have a pretty good idea of where he’s at.”

Jones has indicated he will select a strong side against the Barbarians, using it as a warmup for the trip to Rome knowing that a number of players - including his influential Saracens contingent - have not played since October 4.

Marler will be missing, however, as the Harlequins prop rehabilitates a condition called Morel-Lavallee that requires fluid to be drained from the knee.

“Joe is coming along really well. He’s maybe another two or three weeks away from being available for selection, but he’s come in and added to the camp and is his usual effervescent self,” Jones said.

Jones names his team to face the Barbarians on Friday, adopting a different approach to the usual policy of picking a younger side for a fixture that was postponed from May because of the coronavirus epidemic.