Eddie Jones to name England squad next week
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England head coach Eddie Jones will name his squad for the Summer tests against the USA and Canada next week Thursday.
Jones will be without the likes of Mako Vunipola, Maro Itoje, Jamie George, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Curry, Elliot Daly, Jonny Hill, Courtney Lawes, Sam Simmonds and Anthony Watson, all of whom have been included in the British and Irish Lions squad to tour South Africa.
Wasps' utility back Paolo Odogwu will also miss the two tests having suffered an ACL which rules him out of contention. It has been rumoured that Ben Youngs and George Ford will also be rested by Jones as he tests out some of the younger talents in England.
"It's all about two years to the World Cup now and building a squad to 2023," Jones told BBC Sport.
"That's the opportunity for this summer tour."
Jones also spoke highly of Marcus Smith who is one of a host of rookies pushing for a first cap.
"He's been really impressive in the latter part of the season," Jones said.
"I have seen a change in the way he has played.
"What we are seeing now is a maturing process with Marcus, where he is finding the right balance between keeping his team organised and using his own instinctive skills."
An England 'A' team will meet Scotland 'A' at the end of June.