Brown, Ratchford, Heighington, Currie (just due to his injury worries) shouldn't be anywhere near that squad.

I know no one ever agrees on a 24 man squad, but i'm pretty sure unaimously among RL fans, we think Kevin Browns inclusion is up there with Calderwoods in 08

A 35 year old aussie ahead of Farrell?

Very light on specialist backs there. I'd have taken Tomkins over either Ratchford/Brown as well

I would have probably gone with Joe Burgess instead of Brown, I don't really see the value in picking 4 halves, ideally you want two of them playing together throughout the tournament.

Other than that, as expected really, probably about 12-16 points behind Aus and possibly about level par with NZ.

I think the tackle in the 2nd half of the GF on Ward when he got up holding the shoulder decided where his season was going to end. Probably shouldnt have played in the GF but is an absolute warrior for doing so.

Too much of a risk to take to Oz. Massive shame but pretty certain he'll have plenty more opportunities to pull on an England shirt in the future.

Edited: Might be wrong, rumours Ward being called up to the Wales squad?

I admire your optimism but I can't see this squad keeping Australia to within 12-16 points. I think we could be in for a pretty torrid time over there in this WC.

If there are 6 better English props than Liam Watts then I'm watching a different game.

Kevin brown over double lance todd winning Marc Sneyd.

35 year old Aussie instead of Farrell

It seems it's harder to get out of this England team than it is to get in it!

What a laughing joke Kevin Brown is in this squad jesus christ

Farrel has been pretty poor this season by his standards and he's never really stood out internationally either.

I can't fathom how Shaul/Sneyd weren't picked, even if for backup. Looks like we'll have lomax or ratchford which is poor when Shaul is ready and waiting and 10x the player they've been this season.

What happens if Hodgson or Roby gets injured? Williams off the bench at hooker? Seems odd to take four halfbacks (plus Ratchford, who also offers halfback cover) and only two hookers.

I don't think there's too much pressure on Bennett in this tournament really. The absolute minimum expected is to reach the semi-final, which they should do easily. But then the most likely outcome is that they face NZ in Auckland in the semi and go off slight underdogs. If they win then it will probably be regarded as a successful tournament even if they get pumped in the final.

What a strange squad.

Heightington, Lomax, Brown and possibly Currie due to lack of games shouldn't be in the squad.

Watts, Shenton, Ward and Sneyd not being there is laughable.

We'll all have different opinions (I think Shenton and Eden are very unlucky to miss out) but the inclusion of Kevin Brown is absolutely barmy. Over Sneyd? Is Bennett actually watching any games, or is he just picking up an easy wage.
Also surprised at the omission of Shaul. He's been the second best full back by a mile this year.