World Cup-winning centre Mike Tindall (right) drops down into the Saxons squad, while winger Lesley Vainikolo is rewarded for a frustrating Six Nations series by being dropped altogether.
Given a chance to play for his adopted country by Brian Ashton, but hardly given a chance to do his stuff in some stuttering England performances, big Les will have to demonstrate again what he can do when the new season kicks off in September.
He was not given a chance to show his value in his first handful of England games, whether he will get more chances unbder the new regime at Twickers remains to be seen.
But to be left out alogether, as he has been, is a bit of a slap in the face for the big man.
Meanwhile, James Simpson-Daniel is given a chance to put his England injury hoodoo behind him, and he is joined in the senior squad by Luke Narraway and new Glaws colleague Olly Barkley (left).
Alongside Tindall in the Saxons squad are Nick Wood, Jack Forster, Andy Titterrell, Ryan Lamb and Anthony Allen and Johnson said: “We always knew there would be 40 plus players who could make the 32 and if they didn't make it they'd have to drop down into the Saxons.
"It was a very tough call on Mike (Tindall), the same with Ben Kay and Nick Easter."  
Full squad and Johnson comments on BBC Sport.

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NEWCASTLE have signed Glaws back row Adam Balding, who spent most of last season on loan at Leeds. He made 60 appearances for Glaws.

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