Maro Itoje© Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

England coach Andy Farrell has said they will "keep an open mind" on young World Cup hopefuls who are performing well for their clubs, even if they have never played for England before.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster will name his 45-man training squad next month and Farrell refused to rule out uncapped duo Henry Slade and Maro Itoje after their impressive recent performances.

Itoje excelled in Saracens' Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Clermont on Saturday and could find himself promoted from the Saxons in time for the World Cup camp.

"Maro would be a prime example of those fortunate that their club will be there and thereabouts in the big games at the end of the season," Farrell said.

"There's no bigger game for him to perform in than in the semi-final of the Champions Cup against the French giants of Clermont, and he performed outstandingly I thought.

"There's that type of player with potential all over the division, so we'll keep an open mind. People think you'd know roundabout what your squad would be - and of course we have a good idea of what that would look like, but we're also very open-minded and we always have been."

Itoje has played for England Saxons this season as well as the under-18, under-19 and under-20 sides while Exeter's Henry Slade has forced himself into contention with a series of electric performances from fly-half.

"Youngsters like Maro and Henry Slade that are shining through, it's because they characters strong enough to deal with top-level rugby," Farrell said. "That's why they are coming through so early. And that's what you need certainly at international rugby.

"All that matters to us as far as selection is concerned is making sure that it is right for the squad. Whatever makes them united as one and to feel right going into the World Cup, that's got to be at the forefront of our minds."