Meet the six England players set to retire after Argentina Rugby World Cup game

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England are expected to bid farewell to six established international stars after their bronze medal match against Argentina on Friday. They would naturally have preferred what looks like being their final match for the Red Rose to come in Saturday’s showpiece final, but Steve Borthwick’s side will still attempt to end the tournament on a high. Here, Express Sport takes you through the group in question…

Joe Marler

A powerhouse prop and an England veteran of more than 10 years, Marler ended a lengthy hiatus from the international set-up to appear at this year’s Rugby World Cup. With 88 caps to his name, the 33-year-old will hope to pick up an 89th against the Pumas.

Marler will be retiring from England duty for a second time, having also done so in 2018, and he admitted that a meeting with Borthwick was pivotal in convincing him to push for the squad.

“It might have been two years ago when I was thinking: ‘Not a chance do I want to go to another World Cup’,” the Harlequins man said earlier this summer. “But as it’s got a bit closer, I’ve been thinking: ‘Let’s give it a go.’”

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Jonny May

The jet-heeled wing was initially left out of the squad, before being given another chance when Anthony Watson withdrew through injury. May has been prolific on the international stage, scoring 36 tries in 78 appearances to make him the second highest try-scorer in England history.

Earlier this month, the 33-year-old Gloucester star admitted that it would ‘definitely’ be his last World Cup, adding: “It will most likely be my last time playing for England. Never say never but probably, most likely, this will be the last campaign I’ll have with England and I’m incredibly grateful to be here. So just rip in and give everything I can for this last period of time.”

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Dan Cole

The fourth-highest appearance maker of all time for England was dropped for three years after his poor performance in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. And Borthwick raised eyebrows by bringing him back into the fold this time around.

Cole, 36, is coming to the end of his fourth World Cup campaign, after which he is expected to call time on a 13-year international career that has seen him rack up 106 caps. “For the last four years I didn’t think it would happen,” admitted the Leicester Tigers veteran last month.

Danny Care

The 36-year-old began his England career back in 2008, and just like team-mate Marler, he admitted that a conversation with Borthwick made him realise that selection for this year’s World Cup was possible.

“When Steve picked the phone up and offered me the chance to come in and try and fight for a spot I have never put the phone down more excited,” he explained.

Under contract at Harlequins only until the end of the season, it seems likely that Care will not only call time on his international career over the coming months, but hang up his boots altogether.

Ben Youngs

The long-serving scrum-half is poised to draw a line under his England career as the most capped player in the nation’s history, with 126. It remains to be seen whether he is handed number 127, having played a bit-part role against the Springboks.

The Leicester Tigers star, 34, has an enviable list of career accolades, including five Premiership Rugby titles and a Six Nations triumph with the Red Rose in 2020.

Courtney Lawes

Another veteran of the England ranks, Lawes has notched more than a century of international caps since making his debut in 2009. The 6ft 7in Northampton Saints giant was a key figure under Borthwick en route to the semi-finals.

But the vice-captain admitted after defeat against the Springboks that he would be drawing a line under England duty, even though he was yet to inform the manager. “I will let him know,” said the 34-year-old. “I’ve said to the boys and anyone that’s asked. I think it’s time. I’ve done four World Cups, so I’m pretty happy with that.”

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