England head coach Eddie Jones looks to be ready to give some fresh faces a chance to prove themselves in the upcoming Six Nations.
With some rising stars selected and big names omitted, there is plenty to pick over for this latest 36-man training squad ahead of the annual tournament, with the Red Rose 5/2 to win the Six Nations outright.
Young stars handed opportunities
Jones has gone with six uncapped players in the squad, with Wasps back-row Alfie Barbeary deservedly getting on call-up after his recent performances in the Gallagher Premiership.
The 21-year-old has crossed the line for four tries in seven appearances for Wasps this season after returning from injury at the start of the campaign.
Meanwhile, in the backs, Bath fly-half Orlando Bailey, London Irish full-back Ollie Hassell-Collins, Harlequins centre Luke Northmore and Northampton Saints full-back Tommy Freeman have all been selected.
Leicester lock Ollie Chessum, alongside Barbeary, are the two uncapped forwards named in the England squad that will be training down in Brighton this month.
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Ford absence a shock
Having guided Leicester Tigers to the top of the Premiership table, many eyebrows will have been raised with the absence of fly-half George Ford from the squad.
With skipper Owen Farrell selected, despite being out since the autumn with an ankle injury, it’s even more of a surprise to see Ford omitted.
Quins playmaker Marcus Smith would be many peoples' pick to start the Six Nations, while rookie Bailey is untested at Test level rugby.
Ford has often been made a scapegoat for England defeats in the past, but the 28-year-old has put in some accomplished performances for Leicester in their rise this season.
The Red Rose look set for a new-look backline for the Six Nations and not having an experienced stand-off in the side sees Jones playing a risky game.
Injury-plagued centre Manu Tuilagi misses out, along with fellow British & Irish Lion Elliot Daly, who has been short of game time this season.
In the forwards, both Mako Vunipola and brother Billy miss out, with their England futures now looking in serious doubt.
Scotland up first
It's going to be intriguing to see who takes the field for England's opening game of the campaign when they make the trip north to face Scotland at Murrayfield.
The Scots have lifted the Calcutta Cup in three of the last four meetings between these sides and once again it will be a fiery encounter when these rivals meet in Edinburgh. Scotland are 2/1 to win and 2/5 to lose against England on 5th February.
Smith against Finn Russell in the fly-half positions looks to be a mouthwatering contest between two creative stars.
While Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend will be hoping to call on a pretty settled backline, with the likes of Lions Ali Price, Russell, Chris Harris, Duhan Van der Merwe and Stuart Hogg expected to feature, England's back division could be somewhat of an unknown.
Whether Farrell will be back in time for the game remains to be seen, as the Saracens star would likely feature at inside centre alongside Smith.
Jonny May, Henry Slade, Jack Nowell and Ben Youngs make up the other experienced backs selected in the 36-man squad.
Of the 17 backs who have been called-up 12 of those players have 10 caps or under.
Experience in England's pack will be key for the opener, with the Red Rose having the likes of Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes and Kyle Sinckler at their disposal, while Lions forward Sam Simmonds has also been selected.
Tight fight for the honours
It looks set to be one of the most competitive Six Nations of all time, with five of the teams harbouring ambitions of lifting the trophy this season.
England are 5/2 to win the title, with France at 6/4, Ireland at 7/2, Wales 7/1 and Scotland 12/1.
Making a winning start is key for all teams in the competition and Jones will be hoping he does not rue leaving experienced players behind for the first trip north of the border.
