England
Marler: England squad 'looking over shoulders'
Martyn Thomas
July 6, 2015
Joe Marler, James Haskell, Chris robshaw
Joe Marler, James Haskell, Chris robshaw© Canterbury

You might expect Joe Marler to be feeling quite relaxed about his World Cup prospects.

The Harlequins prop started all of England's autumn internationals and Six Nations matches, with his form in the latter competition leading his inclusion in numerous teams of the tournament.

Yet, as Stuart Lancaster contemplates the unenviable task of telling five players they won't be travelling to Denver this weekend, Marler has revealed the level of competition within the squad has left the majority of players "looking over their shoulders".

Indeed, if Lancaster opts to select only four props for the home tournament - as Martin Johnson did four years ago - then he must select two looseheads from Marler, Mako Vunipola, Alex Corbisiero and Matt Mullen.

It is understandable therefore that there is a certain level of anxiety around England's Surrey training base at the moment, especially as the players themselves do not know when the final 31-man squad will be announced.

"It's very tense," Marler told ESPN at England's World Cup kit launch. "Obviously a lot of boys are looking over their shoulders. [There are] a lot of quality players in the squad and no-one really knows when it gets trimmed down and at what time it gets trimmed down.

"So, you're always being watched, you're always being assessed. But it's good, me and Mak (Mako Vunipola) get on really well.

"We've known each other for years now so it's a friendly rivalry that gets intense enough to push each other but never an issue."

He added: "All we know is that five boys are going before Denver, no-one really knows about that one and then God knows when it gets trimmed down again."

And Marler is taking nothing for granted. Shoulder surgery ended his club season early, while an unfortunate fall at home almost ended his World Cup dream altogether.

Joe Marler
Joe Marler© (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

"The Six Nations is over now," he said when asked if he felt he was in possession of England's No.1 shirt.

"Everyone is back fit and working their socks off to get in the shape of their lives. Most positions are up for grabs, there's one or two that you'd probably say are nailed on - the captain.

"But everyone else, there's competition in most positions and that's just great to have as a team."

Vunipola deputised for Marler during the Six Nations but like Marler he is feeling the heat of one of the most competitive positions within Lancaster's squad.

He said: "You can't help but feel anxious when you go into camp. When you're there with the best of the best in the country you're always nervous and it kind of pushes you.

"But for us we've just got to work harder, and this coming week now we've got a big week ahead and then hopefully I make the squad ready to get on that flight to Denver."

Vunipola added of the rivalry between the looseheads: "The competition alone just pushes each and every one of us. Off the field we're all good mates, we all get along and if we can we help each other out."

The Saracens prop does not have to look too far for inspiration as he battles to win a place in the final 31.

Vunipola's brother and housemate, Billy, impressed during the Six Nations having lost his place at No.8 during the autumn internationals.

"I'm happy for my brother and you can see how the coaches reward our good play," Mako said. "If you're in form and you're playing well then you're rewarded."

© Martyn Thomas

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