James Haskell’s guide to the England XV
15 Mike Brown Harlequins
Been around a long time. Hugely physical on the field and encapsulates the passion of playing for England. Quite quiet off it, a big family man – and quite easy to wind up.
14 Anthony Watson Bath
A devastating attacking player and an unbelievable finisher. Off the pitch, he prides himself on his fashion sense and is an all-round good guy.
13 Ben Te’o Worcester
Big character. Started very quietly but has found his feet now. He is a guy I would go for a coffee with every day to have a laugh. I am expecting big things from him.
12 Owen Farrell Saracens
The defensive leader. He speaks with a lot of passion and is articulate in getting his point across. People like to think he is my best mate, but I am not sure he likes me that much.
11 Jonny May Leicester
Unique – there is no other player like him. Very fast and has the lowest body fat of anyone in the squad. Also a bit quirky – he is concerned North Korea are after him.
10 George Ford Leicester
He directs the attack. A quiet guy off the field but very vocal on it. He knows exactly what he wants and how he wants it. Another leader in the team.
9 Ben Youngs Leicester
A guy with personality who loves to laugh at my jokes and to laugh at me – which is always a good thing. Above all, he is a great player and a leader in the side.
8 Sam Simmonds Exeter
A guy I have only just got to know. Fairly quiet but his talent speaks for itself. Very hard-working, physical and has fitted into the squad very well.
7 Chris Robshaw Harlequins
A top guy who has been around England for a long time and has an incredible work rate. We get on well and like to do extra training together. Plays an important leadership role.
6 Courtney Lawes Northampton
Has developed under Eddie Jones into a world-class second row. Can be relied upon to have contraband such as Horlicks or Hobnobs. Laid back but when he turns it on ...
5 Maro Itoje Saracens
The crown jewels of the team! Meteoric rise, super-intelligent, very good at what he does and a keen trainer – having calmed down from being super-keen. Great for morale.
4 Joe Launchbury Wasps
Nicknamed Sloshbury as he has a huge bum which he knocks everything over with. A hard worker with an incredible skill-set for such a big man.
3 Dan Cole Leicester
The driest sense of humour you will ever come across and very funny. Loves, as I do, a little negative chat over a coffee, complaining about all and sundry. An England stalwart.
2 Dylan Hartley Northampton
The captain and the heartbeat of the team in terms of setting the standard and communicating our goals. Extremely hardworking and always looking to improve.
1 Mako Vunipola Saracens
Always seen in some form of quilted jacket, or a snuggle-suit as we call it. Sleeps for most of the day. An unbelievable footballer with skills to pay the bills.