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“Dan Cole Reflects on Joe Marler’s Retirement and the Future of England Rugby”

Dan Cole is optimistic about a turnaround for England's rugby team, but he will certainly miss his roommate, Joe Marler, following Marler's announcement of his international retirement. As Cole's close friend and confidant, Marler was the first to share his decision, which left Cole with mixed feelings. “He explained his reasons, and I thought: ‘Who the heck am I going to room with now, Joe!? You’ve really put me in a tough spot!’” Cole remarked. With Marler stepping back, George Ford will take over his room, but the more significant change is the inclusion of Sale's 20-year-old prop, -Fordjour, in the squad. While Cole acknowledges he will miss Marler, he understands that life goes on. At 37, he often questions his place in the sport, and the selection of the promising Opoku-Fordjour signifies a shift in the team's dynamics under coach Steve Borthwick.

Question 1: What was Dan Cole's initial reaction to Joe Marler's retirement from international rugby?

Dan Cole was not entirely surprised by Joe Marler's decision to retire, but he jokingly expressed concern about who he would room with, saying, “Who the fuck am I going to room with, Joe!? You’ve stitched me up here!”

Question 2: Who will take Joe Marler's place in the England squad?

Asher Opoku-Fordjour, a 20-year-old prop from Sale, has been called up to take Joe Marler's place in the England squad.

Question 3: How does Dan Cole feel about his own position in the team at 37 years old?

Dan Cole questions whether he still belongs at the highest level almost on a daily basis, reflecting on his age and the changing dynamics within the team.

Question 4: What does the call-up of Asher Opoku-Fordjour signify for the England rugby team?

The decision to hand Asher Opoku-Fordjour a first call-up is seen as symbolic of a changing of the guard within the England rugby team, indicating a shift towards younger players.

Question 5: How does Dan Cole view Steve Borthwick's leadership after the loss to the All Blacks?

While the article does not provide specific details on Cole's views about Borthwick's leadership, it implies that he is supportive of Borthwick following the team's loss to the All Blacks.