England defied expectations to enjoy a run through to the semi-final stage at the Rugby World Cup in France.
However, the Red Roses ultimately came up short of their target to win a second honour, as they were agonizingly beaten in the final four in the dying staged by South Africa. To be honest, England was never the favourite, according to most online rugby games and bookmakers.
All attention for Steve Borthwick and his side now turns to the Six Nations, as England looks for an improved effort following a disastrous run of performances in 2022. Squad dilemmas will once again be at the centre of the debate before the next team is named, and one player who has refused to rule out a return to the national set-up in recent weeks has been Joe Launchbury.
Launchbury Opens Door For England Recall
In a recent interview, Launchbury has claimed that he will never turn his back on his national side, and he will be there waiting for the call if Borthwick decides to recall him. The player has come full circle during his career recently, as it was announced a few weeks back that he would be returning to British soils to return to Harlequins.
His decision means that his career has now come full-circle after the star started his career with the Premiership side. However, Launchbury’s chances of an England call-up before the World Cup were negatively impacted by his decision to move to Japan and sign for Toyota Verblitz on a short-term deal. But, it is worth remembering that the decision was ultimately made for him following the fact that the Wasps went into administration.
Launchbury Reveals Talks With Borthwick
An England call-up may have been out of the question before the World Cup, but the second row revealed that he was in direct talks with Borthwick throughout his time in Japan. It was also teased that the 32-year-old was in line to join the World Cup camp before the tournament, but a late injury scuppered those potential plans.
The latest injury setback could have effectively ended his future international plans, as Launchbury revealed that he hasn’t spoken to the England boss since the start of the World Cup.
But, that hasn’t stopped the 32-year-old from dreaming that he could earn a recall. However, he has admitted that it could be an unlikely scenario, as he is aware that Borthwick is trying to work with younger players in order to form the next national side that could compete for the top prize in rugby.
National Youth Career
Launchbury’s first international experience with England came at U18 level, as he was a regular fixture in the team that finished as the runners-up at the European Championships in 2009. He continued to play roles in the youth teams, which included a starring role as England won the U20s Six Nations Grand Slam. His performances during the tournament saw him pick up the player of the U20 Six Nations award.
Senior International Career
A first senior call up was awarded in 2012, as he was named in the travelling squad for the tour of South Africa. But, an injury at Twickenham before the tour saw him ruled out. His test debut finally came later in the year, and he made his first start against England. Launchbury also kept his place for the following match against New Zealand, as the Red Roses landed a first win over the All Blacks since 2003.
His role in the national setup continued to grow throughout the early 2010s, as he started in all five of England’s Six Nations matches before the team eventually finished as runners-up to Wales. However, his performances saw him awarded with the England Player of the Year accolade.
Launchbury’s excellent form saw him earn plaudits for a spot in the British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia, but he narrowly missed out on selection. The Englishman later retained his spot in the squad for the 2013 Autumn Internationals, scoring his first try in a victory over Argentina.
The star was among the travelling group of 30 players selected for the three test tour of New Zealand in 2014, starting each of the opening two. However, England suffered defeats in all three matches against the All Blacks. But, Launchbury’s form remained excellent, evident from the fact that he won back-to-back Man of the Match awards in wins over Wales and Italy.
Will Launchbury Play For England Again?
It could be hard to rule out Launchbury playing for England again in the future, as he was a back-up option in the Six Nations in 2022. He will be playing rugby once again at the top level following his return to Harlequins, meaning that Borthwick may call on the experienced international should he need some veterans to help with the development of the younger players in the squad.
