By Oscar Reilly
The second in this series of articles focusing on the English Squad for the Rugby World Cup focuses on one of the most heavily contended positions on the park. With it likely that Jones will bring 3 hookers on the plane, let’s have a look at the contenders and the likelihood of each to be going to Japan.
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Jamie George
George is arguably England’s first choice hooker, having started each of the team’s last 7 games, and has amassed a mass of experience since the last World Cup, where he only featured in a dead rubber against Uruguay. Whether he starts or not is still up for debate, but barring injury it is pretty certain he will feature in September.
George has started each of England's last 11 games
Likelihood: 10/10
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Dylan Hartley
The pantomime villain of English rugby has been around the squad since 2008, but has only featured in the 2011 World Cup after disciplinary issues stopped his chances to participate in 2015. Nevertheless, under Eddie Jones Hartley has been made England Captain and whilst his discipline has improved as the role demands, it has been argued his match effectiveness has been sacrificed. Hartley is certainly a contender to go, but just because he has been captain of this batch of players does not necessitate a place in the squad.
Hartley captained his side to two Six Nations titles in 2016 and 2017
Likelihood: 7.5/10
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Luke Cowan-Dickie
The Exeter man was on the bench for each of England’s Six Nations games, but is yet to start a game internationally. Cowan-Dickie is a good player at club level but hasn’t had a full opportunity at international level. With a lot of competition for places, Cowan-Dickie will be hoping the Chiefs semi-final spot will be a chance to show his potential in big games and book him a ticket to Japan.
Cowan-Dickie has made 10 appearances for England but is yet to start a game
Likelihood: 6/10
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Tom Dunn
Dunn, like many others, has been called up to multiple England training squads and is yet to achieve an international cap. The Bath man is one of the most consistent players in the premiership, and despite his lack of international experience, he would be a useful squad player who could step up if called upon. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make his debut in the warm up games.
Likelihood: 4/10
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Jack Singleton
As one of the youngest players in the squad, Singleton has it all ahead of him, especially with a move back to Saracens for next season potentially thrusting him into some massive games. Unlike Dunn, he is in the England training squad currently, yet some may say he still needs time to develop as one of the newer faces. With his current position in terms of the most recent squad aside, I think this will be one cycle too early for the 22 year old, and although he probably will become a part of England’s post-2019 plans, this may be a little early for him.
Singleton has an outside chance, at best, but will surely feature in England's future plans
Likelihood: 3/10
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