France exiles remain in Johnson's plans

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Recalled Jonny Wilkinson of Toulon and Brive's Riki Flutey are the only two players set to compete in France next season included among the 64 named on Tuesday. Andy Goode, James Haskell, Tom May, Jamie Noon, Tom Palmer and Steve Thompson - who all featured for England last term - have been left out.

Johnson said: "Rob Andrew (director of elite rugby) and I have had extensive discussions with the French clubs, who have recruited English players and these have gone well."

"We are looking forward to continuing the positive working relationship with them, which worked so well last season.

"We will continue to monitor the form and fitness of the following players with a view to inviting them to training sessions as appropriate - Goode, Haskell, May, Noon, Palmer and Thompson."

The main talking point was Wilkinson's recall to the elite player squad at the expense of Danny Cipriani, who must settle for a place in the Saxons.

Cipriani started last season as England's first choice fly-half and ended it on the bench at the Churchill Cup.

"Selection for the two squads has been very difficult because there is a greater strength in depth of players to choose from now than we had 12 months ago," said Johnson.

"We feel we have made considerable progress as a squad during the course of last season.

"We are looking forward to building on this during our August training camp and in the autumn against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand."