England release 18 players to clubs

England this afternoon released 18 players back to their Premiership clubs ahead of this weekend’s action.
The starting XV from Saturday’s 20-0 win at Murrayfield will remain at Pennyhill Park for training on Wednesday and Thursday morning.
The whole squad will return on Sunday evening to prepare for the Six Nations match against Ireland next week on February 22.
England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We have reviewed the Scotland game with the whole squad and, while pleasing in many aspects, we have identified the areas we need to work on.
“There are some inevitable knocks from the weekend but nothing that we anticipate will keep players out of contention for the Ireland game.
“The replacements will return to their Premiership clubs and be available to play this weekend which will give them valuable game time.”
Players released: Chris Ashton (Saracens), David Attwood (Bath), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Freddie Burns (Gloucester), Lee Dickson (Northampton), Kyle Eastmond (Bath), George Ford (Bath), Alex Goode (Saracens), Matt Kvesic (Gloucester), Tom Johnson (Exeter), Ben Morgan (Gloucester), Matt Mullan (London Wasps), Ed Slater (Leicester), Henry Thomas (Sale), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Anthony Watson (Bath), Tom Youngs (Leicester), Ben Youngs (Leicester).
Players retained: Mike Brown (Harlequins), Luther Burrell (Northampton), Danny Care (Harlequins), Dan Cole (Leicester), Owen Farrell (Saracens), Dylan Hartley (Northampton), Joe Launchbury (London Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Jonny May (Gloucester), Jack Nowell (Exeter), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Tom Wood (Northampton).