Huddersfield-born star Luther Burrell has been released from the England squad and is back with his club side Northampton Saints.

The 25-year-old centre was not retained by head coach Stuart Lancaster along with Dave Attwood, Freddie Burns, Danny Care, Kyle Eastmond, Ben Foden, Alex Goode, Tom Johnson, Christian Wade and Matt Kvesic.

England play QBE Internationals against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand with Chris Robshaw as captain.

Robshaw last filled during the RBS 6 Nations before being rested for the summer tour to Argentina, allowing Tom Wood to take over.

It proved a successful trip for Wood, who was outstanding and received praise for his leadership from Lancaster.

“Under the terms of the elite player squad agreement we are releasing 10 players back, some of whom will play in the Premiership this weekend,” Lancaster said.

“There are still places to play for and we won’t finalise the side to play Australia until much closer to the game, not least because of the matches this coming weekend.

“It’s a chance for those going back to stake a final claim for inclusion in the 23.”

Wood, a fierce competitor who was tipped to become Lancaster’s first captain when he was made coach until a long-term foot injury struck, is respected among his teammates, but Robshaw won the nod.

Lancaster stated two weeks ago at England’s kit launch that he would be happy to continue with Robshaw.

“I have always been comfortable playing Chris at seven,” Lancaster said.

“He has delivered for England on a consistent basis. No-one can say in any of the games he has played for England, he didn’t do that.”