Photograph: Icon Sport/Alamy

The one that got away: Tom Willis back to show what England are missing

As Steve Borthwick prepares to finalize England’s World Cup squad, the omission of Tom Willis looms as a defining narrative. The younger brother of Toulouse captain Jack Willis, Tom has carved out a standout season at Bordeaux, dominating the Top 14 as a two-time Player of the Season.

His decision to join Bordeaux after securing an improved contract marked a bold career move, one that has since paid dividends on the pitch. With England’s number eight depth alarmingly thin, Willis’s impact for Bordeaux—where he’s been unstoppable—highlights the glaring hole his absence leaves in Borthwick’s squad planning.

Though the World Cup selection process rarely unfolds without controversy, Willis’s case stands out as a missed opportunity for England’s backline, especially as Bordeaux kicks off their Champions Cup defense this week.

The swirling speculation around Willis’s exclusion underscores broader questions about England’s tactical flexibility. Borthwick’s ability to name just one overseas player adds to the pressure, and while Jack Willis remains a frontrunner, Tom’s form and leadership at Bordeaux make him the smarter pick.

Yet, as the squad list nears finalization, the reality is clear: England’s depth chart will feel the absence of a player who’s already proven he belongs at the highest level. With Gloucester hosting Bordeaux in the Champions Cup, the stage is set for another chapter in Tom Willis’s rise—and another reminder of what England might be missing.

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