Eddie Jones confirmed his 31-man squad for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup on Monday, and said he felt for the “disappointed players” who had missed out on selection.

The England head coach softened the blow by announcing that they “could get their opportunity later down the track” and should be ready to step in for any injured players.

Flanker Lewis Ludlam and uncapped wing Ruaridh McConnochie earned shock call-ups to Jones’s squad, while centre Ben Te’o was a surprise omission.