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• Steve Borthwick

As England coach Brian Aston whittles down his World Cup squad ahead of this autumn's defence in France, one player determined to make the final cut is Steve Borthwick.

The Bath captain has not played for England since last year's Six Nations but reckons that, in terms of both skill and fitness, he can hold his own at the highest level of all.

And, according to the second-row forward, another motivating factor is his missing out on England's success in Australia four years ago.

"In 2003, the (England) team was pretty much written in," Borthwick said.

"There weren't that many places to be decided, whereas there is a different situation this time around.

"I am determined to make it, and I believe I am in the best physical condition I've ever been in.

"I am confident I can mix it with the best in the world in terms of my skill levels, and I am in great nick."

Borthwick added that England's warm-up games, against Wales and France next month, would be the perfect opportunity for him to show Ashton just what he can do.

"I am just hoping that Brian gives me a chance in these August games," he said.

"I missed out in our big success in 2003, so this World Cup is huge for me."

Six players in Ashton's initial squad - Olly Morgan, Shane Geraghty, Louis Deacon, Andy Hazell and Magnus Lund - are already out of contention.

Another 10 must be culled to reach the final squad of 30, with some possibly departing as early as next week.

Surprise has been expressed at the departure of Lund, with the Sale flanker having played in all six of England's Six Nations games last season.

And Morgan can also consider himself unlucky, the Gloucester full-back being capped twice in the Six Nations before undergoing shoulder surgery.

However, Morgan's departure could pave the way for up-and-coming Wasps full-back Danny Cipriani to start the warm-up games.