Harlequins number eight Nick Easter has capped a sensational season by making the first cut for the England squad preparing for this year's World Cup.

The 36-year-old and fellow Quins Marland Yarde, Chris Robshaw, Mike Brown, Danny Care and Joe Marler have all been named in England head coach Stuart Lancaster's 50-man training squad.

Easter enjoyed a fine season at the Stoop and forced his way back in to the international reckoning to collect his 50th cap during this year's Six Nations, despite Harlequins' struggles.

Ex-Quin David Strettle has also earned a recall, while former London Scottish loan star Elliot Daly and ex-St George's College student Anthony Watson have also been selected.

England, who start their World Cup campaign with Fiji on September 18, kick-off their preparations against the Barbarians at Twickenham on May 31, before facing  France - home and away - in August and entertaining Ireland on September 5.

“We are excited to name this extended squad which allows us to look at a wide group of players who have been pushing hard for selection in training with us or playing well for their clubs this season," said Lancaster.

“It’s great to be able to include Alex Corbisiero, Joe Launchbury, Ben Morgan, Ed Slater and David Wilson, who missed the Six Nations because of injury and are close to returning to play or have recently begun playing again.

“There are a lot of experienced internationals within the squad with the likes of Chris Ashton and David Strettle, who are in great form, returning and it’s also good to have young players like Luke Cowan-Dickie, Elliot Daly, Maro Itoje and Henry Slade in there, who have come through our player development pathway and had great seasons for their clubs.

“Ben Foden, Joe Simpson and Tom Croft have not been included at this stage due to ongoing rehabilitation from injury but will hopefully come into consideration nearer the tournament.

“A number of this 50-man squad, such as Joe Launchbury, Elliot Daly, Danny Cipriani and Marland Yarde will be involved in the England XV side playing the Barbarians on May 31 following the Premiership semi-finals.

"There will also be opportunities for the likes of Dave Ewers and Christian Wade who just missed out on the initial selection, but could come back in further down the line.”