ADRIAN Morley and Ben Westwood have been named in England's initial 17-man elite training squad.

Wolves captain Morley is one of only nine players who survive from last year's World Cup squad, with Warrington boss and England head coach Tony Smith opting to blood several talented youngsters.

The 17-man group will form the core of an expanded England Elite Training Squad, which will see more players added to it throughout the year.

Squad members will benefit from access to top class training facilities, individualised player development plans and improved sports science throughout the season.

But none of them are guaranteed a place in the mid-season international when England meet France in Paris on June 13.

Smith will announce his squad for the fixture about 10 days before the date of the game.

The Wolves boss said: "The first group of players to be included in the Elite Training Squad programme are a mixture of youth and experience from a number of different clubs.

"I believe the players selected so far reflects that not only are we planning for this autumn's Four Nations tournament but also the 2013 World Cup which we hope to stage in this country.

"More players will be added to the programme throughout the season and the aim is to provide an elite training environment for a wide range of players from a variety of different clubs who, in turn, will benefit from their players being involved.

"Although only 17 players have been named so far, by no means does it guarantee their place in the mid-season Test against France or the upcoming Four Nations.

"As always the playing squads will be picked on form which means the door is still wide open to all players with international aspirations."

17-man England elite training squad: Ryan Atkins (Wakefield Wildcats), Tom Briscoe (Hull FC), Sam Burgess (Bradford Bulls), Rob Burrow (Leeds Rhinos), Maurie Fa'asavalu (St Helens), James Graham (St Helens), Louie McCarthy Scarsbrook (Harlequins), Danny McGuire (Leeds Rhinos), Adrian Morley (Warrington Wolves), Richard Myler (Salford City Reds), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan Warriors), Jamie Peacock (Leeds Rhinos), James Roby (St Helens), Michael Shenton (Castleford Tigers), Joe Westerman (Castleford Tigers), Ben Westwood (Warrington Wolves), Jon Wilkin (St Helens).