Mike Friday makes his first cut

England Sevens boss Mike Friday has trimmed his squad down to 18 players as he continues preparations for Dubai and George legs of the 2004/05 International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens series.

Friday has opted to retain a blend of youth and experience with Sevens regulars such as Ugo Monye and Simon Amor featuring alongside developing talents such as Mathew Tait and Andy Vilk.

The final 12-strong squad will be chosen after the last training event on November 23.

"It is going to be extremely difficult to decide who goes," said Friday.

"But the quality of the talent available to us will guarantee that we travel to Dubai and George with an extremely strong and prepared team."

England squad: Simon Amor (Gloucester)*, Geoff Appleford (London Irish), Delon Armitage (London Irish), James Bailey (Gloucester), James Brooks (Wasps), Kai Horstmann (Harlequins), Ugo Monye (Harlequins)*, Ollie Phillips (Newcastle), Peter Richards (Wasps), Tony Roques (London Irish)*, Ben Russell (Saracens), Paul Sampson (unattached), Pat Sanderson (Worcester)*, Ben Skirving (Saracens), Neil Starling (Northampton), Mathew Tait (Newcastle)*, Rob Thirlby (Penzance & Newlyn), Andy Wilk (Northampton).

* Denotes EPS members

IRB WORLD SEVENS SERIES 2004-2005

2-3 December - Dubai
10-11 December - South Africa
4-5 February - Wellington
12-13 February - Los Angeles
18-20 March - Hong Kong (RWC 2005)
16-17 April - Singapore
27-28 May (tbc) - Bordeaux
4-5 June (tbc) - London