ENGLAND WINGER Chris Ashton has been left out of the side’s opening Six Nations clash with France at the Stade de France.
Ashton has won 37 caps for England since making his debut in 2010, scoring 18 tries, but he did not impress head coach Stuart Lancaster during the November internationals and has been dropped.
Uncapped Jack Nowell is expected to take Ashton’s place on the wing after impressive displays for Exeter in the Aviva Premiership.
Ashton is not the only experienced player to be missing from the squad with scrum-half Ben Youngs also not selected by Lancaster.
Lancaster admitted decision to omit the duo had been difficult, but the form of Nowell and Danny Care, who replaces Youngs, had been impossible to ignore.
“Competition at scrum-half has been particularly tight and Danny’s form leading into the Six Nations has been excellent and he merits his inclusion,” Lancaster told the RFU website. “Ben misses out this time but he is a quality player and I am sure he will respond in the same way Danny did at the start of the year.
“We have been pleased with the form of Chris recently. However, Jack has made great progress on the right wing and has also delivered in big games for Exeter Chiefs and we feel it is the right time to look at another option in that position.
“Chris remains an important member of the squad and I am sure he will be working hard to regain that position during the course of the Six Nations.”
England begin their Six Nations campaign with two away games against France and Scotland before welcoming Ireland to Twickenham on 22 February.
