#4. Zach Mercer
Last Autumn, Jones persuaded Mercer to leave Montpellier and aim for an England comeback. However, Mercer must currently find himself puzzled as he has been excluded from Borthwick’s training squad.
Having welcomed his first child, daughter Iris, last weekend, Mercer shared his thoughts with The Times about his England setback. He provided insights into the conversation he had with head coach Borthwick and how he has coped with the disappointment.
“It was obviously extremely disappointing but I’m ready and I’ve got the aspiration to put on that England jersey again,” he said.
“There were things that Steve wanted that I maybe couldn’t provide. I’m out of the picture, but I’m not just looking to the World Cup, even though it would have been amazing to return to France.
“I know I’ve got a long few years ahead of me yet. Don’t get me wrong, for 48 hours it was tough, but reality kicks in and you go, ‘Look, you’ve got a pregnant wife, a beautiful house to move into, real-life things you’ve got to sort out.”
