World Cup trio dropped by Johnson

(CNN) -- Three of England's Rugby World Cup winners, Mike Tindall, Ben Kay and Joe Worsley, have not made it to Martin Johnson's first elite player squad.

The trio have been demoted to the Saxons squad, along with Dave Strettle and Nick Easter. Charlie Hodgson has been axed.

Josh Lewsey and James Simpson-Daniel are back amongst the elite and New Zealand-born center Riki Flutey, who becomes eligible for England in September, is included.

Flutey, 27, a former Wellington Hurricanes player, has represented New Zealand at all age groups and was in the U19 World Cup-winning team in 1999.

Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley, London Irish lock Nick Kennedy and Leicester back-row forward Jordan Crane are the other uncapped players who have won places in the senior group.

Wasps fly-half Danny Cipriani, who is recovering from a serious ankle injury which prevented him from playing on the summer tour to New Zealand, is included in the Saxons squad.

Johnson said that England's disappointing performances in New Zealand had affected his decisions.

"I don't think there is a tougher task than going to play New Zealand away," he said.

"What did we find out? Some of the players stood up and competed well and I think we found out something about everyone who went on that tour, and that is factored in to the squad we have named today.

"We were beaten in those two matches by a very good New Zealand team. We have to compete with them and become a better rugby team."

The New Zealand tour was overshadowed by allegations of a serious sexual assault involving four England players and Johnson said members of the new squad would be reminded of their responsibilities in terms of conduct.

He said: "A lot has been spoken about that after New Zealand. When we get together in August it will be one of the first things we discuss and the players will be under no illusions as to where responsibilities lie."