England have no players that need to be abandoned imminently, but some should be moved gradually out of the picture under Steve Borthwick.
The older contingent could definitely have a significant influence on England’s short-term future under their new head coach.
There will be fresh faces in the Six Nations squad named by Borthwick today, but there could be plenty of familiar ones too.
A twist to the old sporting mantra, if they are good enough, they are young enough, but the clock is definitely ticking for them.
#1. Ben Youngs
These decisions are not meant to be easy. England mens most capped player of all-time, but Borthwick must move him on.
He is an excellent player who continues to confound critics for his country but a sense of unreliability lingers at the absolute highest level and at a time when ruthlessness is required, there is room for specific and obvious improvement in his position.
Youngs has now played under three different England head coaches during a 14-year Test career – Borthwick, Martin Johnson, Stuart Lancaster and Eddie Jones – and only Australian great George Gregan has won more caps for his country as a scrum-half.
DID YOU KNOW? Son of former scrum-half Nick and brother to hooker Tom, Leicester Tigers is in the blood of scrum-half Ben Youngs
