England captain Owen Farrell admits he is ‘GUTTED’ to be banned for the start of the World Cup… but has no arguments over red card for high tackle that sparked disciplinary chaos
- Farrell was banned after being sent off for a high tackle on Wales’ Taine Basham
- He has two games left on his suspension and hopes to play a part in Paris
- George Ford is set to play at No10 for the games versus Argentina and Japan
- Latest Rugby World Cup 2023 news, including fixtures, live scores and results
England captain Owen Farrell revealed his pain at being banned for the start of the World Cup but has no arguments about his red card.
The No 10 was sent off for a high tackle against Wales last month and is half-way through a four-match suspension.
He will in the stands for the opening Pool C Tests against Argentina and Japan, with George Ford likely to take over at No10.
‘I’m gutted not to be playing and I’m gutted not to be available,’ said Farrell. ‘Especially a big game like this at the weekend.
‘I’ve even always wanted to play at Stade Velodrome, ever since watching the quarter-final in 2007.’
England captain Owen Farrell has admitted he is ‘gutted’ at having to miss the start of the World Cup
Farrell has been training with the squad but will miss the start of the tournament after being banned
The No10 was sent off for a high tackle on Taine Basham during England’s win over Wales
Farrell was banned after a calamitous disciplinary process that dragged on through two different hearings before an about-turn in the outcome.
The red card was awarded via the new bunker officiating system and Farrell admitted the correct outcome was reached.
‘I knew when it came on the big screen,’ he admitted. ‘It is what it is. I’ve been banned, I accept that I’ve been banned. Don’t want to be in that situation again, I know that, but mistakes happen. I’m gutted not to be playing but I’m trying to do everything I can for this team.’
Steve Borthwick is looking to kickstart his journey as head coach during the competition
While Farrell and Billy Vunipola are suspended, the remainder of England’s 33-man squad all took part in yesterday’s training session in the 30C heat of Le Touquet.
After a disastrous summer of preparations, England have been written off by the bookmakers, with flanker Lewis Ludlam insisting they will relish their underdog status.
‘We are obviously under pressure, but I think coming into a tournament as underdog is a beautiful position to be in,’ said Ludlam. ‘I can only speak personally and there are probably a lot of different feelings around the camp.
‘With lower expectation, you can free yourself up more easily. You can express yourselves because nothing is given to you. Sometimes when you are No 1 and you have achieved things pre-tournament you can be reaching for that too much. When you are a little bit behind and your back’s up against a wall, you are a lot more present with things. Personally I think it is a nice spot to be in. Obviously it would have been brilliant to be coming in off the back of three or four wins but the situation we find ourselves in I think we have got to enjoy that.’
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