2. Tom Willis
The situation surrounding Tom Willis is far more straightforward.
After deciding to move abroad, Willis effectively removed himself from the England equation under RFU selection policy. Borthwick publicly stated that England would invest time in players who will be part of the 2027 World Cup campaign — and confirmed Willis is not in that group.
That’s as clear as it gets.
Regardless of form, availability remains king in Test rugby. Once a player falls outside the strategic pathway, reversals are rare.
For Willis, the door doesn’t look ajar — it looks shut.
3. Zach Mercer
Few England stories have been as frustrating as Zach Mercer.
A standout at club level, Mercer has repeatedly found himself on the outside of England’s plans. After being told he wasn’t part of Borthwick’s vision, he openly admitted he felt “done” with England and needed to step away for his own mental well-being.
He later returned to France — a move that, under current selection rules, makes a recall even less likely.
The reality? Mercer doesn’t fit the mould Borthwick appears to prefer at No.8 — a more defensively dominant, collision-heavy profile.
With policy and preference both working against him, his England chapter appears finished.
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