IRB Rugby World Cup
Cipriani, Burgess to learn England fate on Thursday
PA Sport
August 24, 2015
Stuart Lancaster walks dejectedly after England's defeat to France
Stuart Lancaster walks dejectedly after England's defeat to France© David Rogers/Getty Images

England will name the 31 players who will carry the nation's hopes at the home World Cup on Thursday, the Rugby Football Union has announced.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster will unveil his squad at a 1.45pm press conference at the team's Surrey training base, cutting eight from the group of 39 who have been involved in the two warm-up games against France.

A 25-20 defeat in Paris on Saturday has muddled the selection picture after utility back Danny Cipriani, number eight Nick Easter and lock Dave Attwood delivered influential cameos off the bench.

All three needed strong performances to challenge England's thinking and reacted by playing important roles in the late fightback that secured scoreboard respectability in an otherwise dire performance.

Lancaster, who said at the Stade de France that he is unsure how many places are still open, has planned face-to-face meetings with those players who will be jettisoned.

More to follow.

© PA Sport

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