Johnson: World Cup hopes not over for Cipriani and Goode

Martin Johnson thinks there could still be a place in England’s Rugby World Cup squad for Danny Cipriani and Alex Goode.

Cipriani was overlooked for the November internationals and the Six Nations despite an outstanding first season at Gloucester.

The mercurial fly-half was named Premiership Player of the Season last month, but could miss out on the World Cup.

Goode landed the European Player of the Year gong, yet the Saracens full-back has been in the international wilderness since 2016.

Former England captain and coach Johnson says he cannot second guess whether coach Eddie Jones will select either player, but both could do a job in Japan.

Johnson, a Land Rover ambassador, told Omnisport: “They have both been around a long time, both played when I was England manager. It’s getting to the 11th hour in terms of getting into the squad.

“I’m not saying it’s impossible. Eddie will be pretty confident he knows the bulk of the squad. Alex has been a heck of a good player, he just maybe falls in between your 10 and 15.

“He’d never let you down on the field and he’s got better as he’s got older.

“Danny’s career is well-documented, he’s player of the year this year but at 10 I think they are probably going to stick with Owen [Farrell] and then it’s probably who is going to play alongside him. You always need a second and third plan, so you never know.”

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