Ashton and Youngs dropped from England Squad

England stars Chris Ashton and Ben Youngs have both been dropped from their countries 2014 Six Nations squad for the opening match with France on Saturday.

Rookies Luther Burrell, George Ford, Jack Nowell and Anthony Watson were all included in the squad and will be looking to be blooded during the tournament.

 “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. Said Coach Stuart Lancaster.

“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. Competition for places is intense and we have tough selection choices to make across the team. The young players have really impressed and based on their club form and what they have done in training with us they deserve their opportunity.” He continued

The match day squad will be announced on Thursday.

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England squad:

Forwards: David Attwood (Bath), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Joe Launchbury (London Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Ben Morgan (Gloucester), Matt Mullan (London Wasps), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Henry Thomas (Sale Sharks),Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Tom Wood (Northampton Saints), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers).

Backs: Brad Barritt (Saracens), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints), Danny Care (Harlequins), Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath), Alex Goode (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester), Anthony Watson (Bath).