Will Eddie recall veteran Cole?

EDDIE JONES will name an England training squad this morning, ahead of a short camp next weekend, as the hunt for any remaining World Cup selection ‘bolters’ intensifies. Having seen rookie backs Henry Arundell, Tommy Freeman and Will Joseph break through on the tour of Australia, the head coach may be tempted to assess alternative candidates up front. Northampton lock Alex Coles is among those who may be in the frame, but there’s a strong argument to turn back to a familiar figure who may have assumed his Test career was over. Dan Cole maintained his imperious form for Leicester by leading a set-piece demolition of the Saints on Saturday.

At 35, the prop is in great shape and is making more of an all-round impact than he did when he was England’s preeminent tighthead and earned 95 caps. Picking a veteran over young talent is often perceived as a retrograde step, but the Tigers have demonstrated the merits of turning to experienced campaigners. Cole should not be discounted on age grounds.