From the touchlines: Gomarsall's gone

England coach Brian Ashton fired a telling warning on Tuesday when he announced his line-up for Saturday's game against France. There weren't the wholesale changes some had expected but there was one telling omission, Andy Gomarsall, who was removed from the entire match-day 22 having started the two Six Nations openers.

Gomarsall may feel hard done by as England's scapegoat but there's no denying he had failed to live up to the high standards he set in the World Cup. In dumping him, Ashton admitted as much: "I was hoping the stimulus of international rugby would help Andy get back to where he was but he hasn't quite made if unfortunately."

But the move is wider reaching. Those players living off their World Cup reputations now know that, should they fail to deliver against France, Ashton will have no qualms about axing them altogether from the squad.

Which England players do you think deserve the axe - who's lucky to have kept their place in the side against France? We want to hear your views...

Comments

[Bob]

I dont understand why the best are out of reach - apart from Gavin. Long live the Scots

[JimmyShove]

thecraigo - couldn't agree more about the changes but ashton's too scared to go wholesale. Wish Clive was still boss!!!!!

[Sam Betts]

Gomars has got no reason to complain on this one. He must realise his performances haven't been up to scratch so far in this Six Nations. His passing's been wayward - how often have we seen Wilko taking the ball at full stretch above his head? - and his decision making's not been the best either. All round, he's failed to direct his forwards well enough or unleash the backs around him. For me, Ashton's totally made the right call on this one. And the other players have been warned - mess up this time and your World Cup reputations will count for nothing. Spot on Brian - you deserve some credit for once.

[Gatters]

The thought of England playing in Paris makes me really nervous as a fan. It could end up being overwhelmingly embarrassing. The only saving grace is that the French have gone for relatively inexperienced players for the match, which might give England a bit of help out there. But I'm expecting hideous headlines come the Sunday papers. Apart from the front row, I can't see too many battles that England are going to win.

[David Philpott]

I rated Gomarsall's comments in his Beeb column, basically saying he'd been made a scapegoat for England's dire early Six Nations performances. A good bit of honesty and he's gone up in my estimation.

[thecraigo]

There has been a problem endemic in the english game from when the the 03 world cup started and that is opting for experience over form! Prior to that world cup, the rhetoric from every player, including Johnson and Wilkinson was one of 'one bad game and we could never play for our country again'. Playing under such pressure inspired England to briefly become the best side in the world. When England lost in dublin in the rescheduled 6 nations game in 01, Woodward responded by making 6 changes for the next game (choosing form and in some cases inexperienced players)and they proceeded to beat the then world champions Australia.

Those who do not learn from history are compelled to repeat it!!! and Ashton is currently repeating the mistakes of a post world cup woodward and robinson. Until this changes, I begrudgingly have to accept as a fan, that 3rd place in the 6 nations will probably be an achievement for this England team.

[Bealy]

Good to see gomarsall dropped but the wrong man's replaced him. what about paul hodgson - seen him at the Madejski all season and he's been awesome. he's the form scrum-half in the guinness premiership at the moment. but anything's better than gomarsall who strikes me as a bit of an idiot off the field as well. as for calls for cipriani, the kid's not ready at fly-half or full-back. we all saw that against italy especially. anyway, here's to a better display against france althought i don't fancy our chances.

[Stuart]

I agree with Jonboy about Regan but I am happy with Noon, although I would prefer to see him at inside centre. There has been talk of Danny Cipriani being used at full back, but I would like to see him given a run at fly half with Jonny Wilkinson switching to full back. We would then retain JW's ferocious tackling and goalkicking skills but have a more promising running fly half.

[mad englishmen & dogs]

when are they going to accept that "JONNIE" is never going to be the player he was and give someone else a chance. He's rugby's answer to Beckham. Will it take a non-mad english coach to drop him!!!!

[rich]

Look at it this way, the english rugby team are all a bunch of private school bum boys who dont deserve air, let alone to be paid well over the odds for really terrible shows of the beautiful game.
harsh but fair I think

[Jonboy]

Gomarsall's not been at his best to say the least in the opening two games so he can have no complaints about being dropped. But I don't think Ashton's gone far enough with the culls. What's the point in keeping Regan when he's not going to play a part in the 2011 World Cup so why not bring some new blood there. Also, sticking with Jamie Noon isn't the answer and don't get me started on Iain Balshaw. In terms of Rugby World Cup stars who deserve a chance, how's Ashton and his coaching team completely forgotten Josh Lewsey?!