NEWCASTLE FALCONS back row Mark Wilson will hope to play a prominent role in England’s autumn internationals after being named in the 36-man squad selected by head coach Eddie Jones.

Wilson, who captained Falcons in last weekend’s remarkable Heineken Champions Cup triumph in Toulon, has four England caps to his name, with the last two having come during this summer’s tour of South Africa.

He will fly to a Portuguese training camp next week, ahead of Tests against South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia.

“We’re happy for any of our players when they are selected by their countries,” said Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards. “We want as many as possible to be playing at the highest level, and we are of course all delighted for Mark that he is again involved with England.”

Wilson is the only Newcastle player named in the England squad, although once his side has negotiated this weekend’s Champions Cup game with Montpellier, Richards will also lose Chris Harris (Scotland), Logovi’i Mulipola (Samoa), Vereniki Goneva, Tevita Cavubati and Nemani Nagusa (all Fiji).

The key talking point in Jones’ England selection was the absence of Danny Cipriani, with the head coach describing the fly-half as his “third choice”.

Cipriani has been overlooked despite a strong start to the season with Gloucester which saw him named Gallagher Premiership player of the month for September.

He started England’s most recent game against South Africa in June and set-up a pivotal try for Jonny May, but misses out despite Jones having watched him at first-hand on four occasions this season.

“We have got two good tens (Owen Farrell and George Ford),” said Jones. “It is tough on Danny but he is third choice at the moment.”

Jones has made Dylan Hartley and Farrell co-captains because he sees them as a great leadership combination, and the Australian insists it is an obvious move to make.

“It’s almost become a no-brainer,” said Jones. “The combination of those two together is just a great fit.

“Whatever team I’ve coached that has had success you’ve always had two at the top. Traditionally, it has been captain and vice-captain, but I see the role as being co-captains on the field. Dylan will handle some things, Owen will handle others - the things which come naturally to them both.”

Jones had to contend with injuries and suspensions when naming his 36-man squad which contains eight uncapped players.

“The last 12 months have been pretty challenging,” said Jones. “Since the Lions tour we’ve had a number of players missing so we’re quite good at this.”

Farrell and Ford are the recognised fly-halves in the squad, although Henry Slade and Alex Lozowski provide cover in the position.

Ben Morgan makes his first appearance in an England squad since the 2015 World Cup as a result of the crisis at number eight that has seen Billy Vunipola and Sam Simmonds ruled out of the entire series by injury, with Nathan Hughes missing all but the final match due to suspension.

“I’m really happy with the squad,” said Jones. “We can only control what we can control and injuries have happened. It gives an opportunity for some good new players to play some important Tests for England while players who have been in the squad before, will have to take on more responsibility.”

Wing Chris Ashton is present despite having yet to make his debut for Sale with his seven-week ban for a tip-tackle having just elapsed.

Manu Tuilagi has overcome a succession of injuries to win inclusion and will be competing with Ben Te’o - who has not played this season because of thigh and ankle problems - for selection in midfield.

England’s loose-head prop resources have been decimated by Mako Vunipola’s absence due to a calf issue and the international retirement of Joe Marler, leaving Alex Hepburn and Ben Moon as the only recognised options in the position.

The final autumn series before next year’s World Cup is opened by the Springboks’ visit to Twickenham on November 3.