Brad Barritt: England World Cup squad is a 'statement'
Friday 28 August 2015 16:41, UK
Brad Barritt believes England head coach Stuart Lancaster has "made a statement" with his World Cup squad selection.
Lancaster has been criticised for naming Sam Burgess in his group despite the rugby league convert having only played 70 minutes of 15-man rugby at international level.
Burgess' inclusion came at the expense of Luther Burrell, who was an established member of the England midfield having started in the centres for the past two Six Nations.
Barritt feels Burrell and the other players who did not make the final cut can feel proud of the contribution they made to the group's preparations.
"He's definitely made a statement," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "It's not just a case of the games, it's the work day in and day out and they've obviously impressed and pushed for their inclusion.
"Credit must go to both of them. For the guys that have missed out, it's really tough for them. The centre group is a really competitive place – there have been six guys who have put up their hand and who would all deserve their place.
"The guys [who have been left out] know they have done themselves proud and they have shown a lot of class."
