Henry Slade
PLYMOUTH rugby star Henry Slade hopes he did enough on his England debut against France at Twickenham on Saturday night to secure a place in Stuart Lancaster’s 31-man World Cup squad.
The 22-year-old former Plymouth College pupil, playing at outside centre, was involved in the build-up to all England’s three tries in their 19-14 win and was voted the fans’ man of the match.
England head coach Lancaster will name his World Cup squad after this weekend’s return match with France in Paris.
Slade, who came through Ivybridge’s junior ranks and spent two seasons at Plymouth Albion, admits he is feeling ‘quietly confident’ that he can make the World Cup party.
He said he was happy with how his international debut went.
“I felt really comfortable,” said Slade, who can also play 10, 12 and 15. “At times it was a quick match, but the way we’ve been playing at Exeter has been pretty quick so I was prepared for it.
“I did what I like to do – get my hands on the ball and get involved. Hopefully, I’ve given myself a chance. I was pretty pleased with how it went for me.
“I have a few things to iron out but it’s the same for the whole team really after the first game of the season. But I’m feeling quietly confident.”