LATEST ENGLAND GOSSIP

The rumour mill continues working 24/7 regards reasons why England choked against Australia and Wales in Group A. There is a story regarding "headphones" doing the rounds, where the England players being forced to wear Samsung ones in public as part of a commercial deal with RFU. This has caused much player strife as most of them have Beats ones, plus Chris Robshaw, is also in the TV advertisement for this brand, so muddying the marketing waters further - sound like footballers more and more don't they?

The fallout also continues from England only putting up 2 players on Saturday for post match interviews after Australia defeat, instead of mandatory 10. There is an ongoing World Rugby investigation, with a possible fine or even points deduction imminent (unlikely for the hosts).

Sorry Mike, it came off the outside of my boot

More details are emerging about the training ground bust up between Mike Catt and Danny Cipriani after the final squad of 31 had been announced. Catt is alleged to have criticised Cipriani during a routine drill, and following a stand off had threatened "to end his England career". If I had been Danny, I would have responded with "what England career, you and your cronies have never felt my creative, impulsive, attacking style fits your rugby league playbook of run it up the 10 channel, and turn quick ball into slow ball". Danny, with your Italian heritage via your father, you should have followed Tomasso Allan, the Italian fly half (and Scotland U20's and RGS High Wycombe fame) and switched countries - they would appreciate you, and the food and weather is better.