RUGBY league convert Sam Burgess has been named in England's World Cup squad.

The 26-year-old completes a remarkable rise since moving from South Sydney Rabbitohs to Bath last October by being included in Stuart Lancaster's 31-man squad.

Northampton's Luther Burrell was the centre to miss out as Henry Slade of Exeter was included alongside Burgess.

Ben Morgan was named as one of England's number eights, with Nick Easter missing out, while Sale fly-half Danny Cipriani was also omitted.

England play Fiji in the opening game of the tournament at Twickenham on September 18 and will also face Wales and Australia in the pool matches.

England head coach Lancaster said: "It's really positive that we have such depth and options to choose from.

"Selection wasn't easy and it is tough to leave anyone out but it's important to stress that the players not in this group are still part of our wider squad and could come in at any point.

"After 10 weeks in camp we have made our final selection of players and we believe we have a great group to take us into the tournament.

"With three weeks to go before we play Fiji we feel we are in good shape as we head into next Saturday's game against Ireland.

"As the excitement builds around the tournament we are looking forward to the country getting behind England and we know this group of players will represent the nation with pride."

mfl Lancaster has informed the players of his decision over the last three days and described the selection process as a "rollercoaster".

"We've always had this date in our mind; I've personally had this date in my mind for two years," he said.

"We've used the last three days to speak to the players. It's been a real rollercoaster. Whether it's Sam or Henry Slade or George Kruis.

"Sam's expression and the relief on his face that he's got this opportunity.

"Then you've got the complete opposite, when you're speaking to someone like a Nick Easter who has pushed Ben Morgan so hard.

"These guys who haven't made it are retained in the wider squad. I only spoke to them this morning.

"They're very much in our thoughts and history will tell us one or two will get an opportunity."

England backs coach Andy Farrell, who himself converted from rugby league to play in the 2007 World Cup with England, said of Burgess: "To force our hand to put him into the squad, he should be unbelievably proud of himself."

Lancaster was adamant all the players had the chance to put their hands up for selection, including Cipriani.

Cipriani was bidding to play fly-half and full-back, but specialists Owen Farrell and George Ford were selected at number 10 and Alex Goode and Mike Brown at number 15.

"I can reassure everyone that 100 per cent in training everybody has had an opportunity to put themselves forward," Lancaster added.

"With only two warm-up games, it's difficult.

"It's tough on Danny. He is a good player. We think he's improved an awful lot."

mfl Burgess was at inside centre between Farrell and Slade, up against Cipriani, Brad Barritt and Burrell in training on Wednesday.

Lancaster insisted Burgess had been included on merit.

He said: "I wouldn't describe it as a gamble. I understand the size of this decision, but I understand the size of every decision when you're in a World Cup year. Every one is a big one.

"He's done great. He's earned the right. He's picked on merit from what we've seen in the camp."

There has been speculation Dylan Hartley could be brought into the squad if England have a hooker withdraw, even though the Northampton forward is banned for the early part of the tournament.

Lancaster would not entertain the hypothetical question.

"The reality of the situation is we weren't responsible for Dylan getting cited or getting banned but the reality is he is banned," Lancaster said.

"We've got to put our time and energy and belief into the three hookers in the squad.

"I'm not going to spend my time thinking 'could Dylan be here'. The reality is he can't."

England squad: forwards - Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), David Wilson (Bath Rugby), Jamie George (Saracens), Rob Webber (Bath Rugby), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Geoff Parling (Exeter Chiefs), James Haskell (Wasps), Ben Morgan (Gloucester), Chris Robshaw (captain, Harlequins), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Tom Wood (Northampton Saints); backs - Danny Care (Harlequins), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath Rugby), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Sam Burgess (Bath Rugby), Jonathan Joseph (Bath), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Alex Goode (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Anthony Watson (Bath).