 Lund misses out after a fine season for Sale Sharks |
England have been forced to cut their squad for the Churchill Cup to 25 players after an injury to Magnus Lund. The Sale Sharks flanker has pulled out of the trip with a thigh injury.
Lund will not be replaced as Phil Dowson was called up last week when Saracens number eight Hugh Vyvyan was also ruled out of the trip to Canada.
The England squad flies out to Toronto on Thursday and moves on to Edmonton, where the matches will be played in the Commonwealth Stadium, on Wednesday.
England play hosts Canada on 19 June and the USA face Argentina the same day, with the Churchill Cup final on 26 June.
England coach Joe Lydon said the tournament was an important step on the road to the 2007 World Cup.
"We are aiming for success and creating a winning environment and for success you have to win," said Lydon.
"We are building a side with the 2007 World Cup in mind.
"You only have to look at past Churchill Cup tours to see what an opportunity this is for players.
"Look at the 2003 World Cup team or the Lions squad now and you will see past Churchill Cup players in there.
"The players know it is a massive opportunity."
MMIX
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