England
Lancaster closes in on World Cup squad
ESPN Staff
October 13, 2014
England's Stuart Lancaster unveils the 20-man training squad, Twickenham, May 15, 2014
Stuart Lancaster has a good idea of his World Cup squad © Getty Images
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England coach Stuart Lancaster has 80% of his Rugby World Cup squad inked in but has left the door open for Sam Burgess.

England have 12 games between now and the World Cup and take on Australia, South Africa and New Zealand in November. While he has cast his eye over the majority of his potential squad, Lancaster is yet to see rugby league convert Sam Burgess take on union.

Burgess excelled for the Rabbitohs in their NRL Grand Final win but fractured his cheekbone in the process, an injury that sees him ruled out until December. For Lancaster, he has been hugely impressed by Burgess and says the injury is a blessing in disguise.

"It is probably a good thing for Sam as it gives him a bit of a break," Lancaster told Sky Sports. "He's an incredible rugby player and a great leader. He wants to make the World Cup squad and will have to learn quickly. "He's a leader and mentally tough. He's a very good player but an impressive person. He's played against huge stars in rugby league. "

Burgess will have to impress in a short amount of time if he is to force his way into the World Cup reckoning as Lancaster is close to finalising his squad for the tournament.

"It's a really exciting time for English rugby, we have such a good young, talented team coming through," Lancaster said. "I am 80% there but the camp will be competitive and so it should be as it is the World Cup - is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The pain of losing certainly drives us. It's quite a good thing to have it sit inside us."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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