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Martin Johnson's decision to 'de-select' a number of experienced England internationals has sent out a clear message to those seeking fame and fortune on the other side of the Channel.

Of the eight England players committed to playing in the Top 14 next season, only Jonny Wilkinson and Riki Flutey have made either of Johnson's Elite or Saxons squads.

Which begs the question as to whether England are prepared to bend in order to accommodate certain players, while at the same time disregarding others?

Or have they merely been pragmatic with their selection and decided to allow those not selected time to get their 'pieds sous la table' in France before a return to the international fold.

Of course there is no guarantee that James Haskell (pictured), Tom Palmer, Andy Goode, Jamie Noon, Tom May or Steve Thompson would have made the cut had they been playing in the UK, but one can only assume their decision to play abroad has worked against them.

Haskell looks to be the biggest casualty, especially when you consider he is only 24 and not so long ago was touted as an England captain of the future.

Now Haskell is not to every ones liking and his tendency for the limelight has not endeared him to some in the England management, but surely his form has not dipped to such a degree that he is no longer one of the top 64 players in England. The same could be said for Goode, Noon and May.

Palmer and Thompson's exclusion is easier to understand since the former needs time to prove his fitness after coming back from injury, while there was no guarantee the latter would remain in the England set-up after so long in the international wilderness.

Johnson was quick to stress that he had picked two France-based players and that he and Rob Andrew had enjoyed positive discussions with French clubs this summer.

Indeed, experience playing in the Top 14 could improve the skills of the English players, which in turn could benefit the international set-up.

Maybe the contracts of Wilkinson and Flutey are more suited to meeting England's needs and allow them to attend the not inconsiderable number of squad days England have agreed with Premiership Rugby.

That said, Goode appeared not to have too many problems securing release by his club Brive last season when England came calling.

Maybe Wilkinson and Flutey were more transparent and communicative with the England management before moving abroad and sought their approval and advice in advance.

There were certainly mixed messages in the media about Haskell's international availability after he put pen to paper with Stade Francais, which was not the case with Wilkinson or Flutey.

Or maybe it just comes down to how vital a player is to the England cause. Despite an early injury in South Africa, Flutey enjoyed a storming finish on the Lions tour, while a fit Wilkinson would be a great asset to any side in international rugby.

Keeping tabs on 10 players based in France will not be easy for the England selectors and they may have taken the decision to focus their resources on the two players most important to them.

Either way, Johnson's latest squads will certainly make players think twice before committing to a future in France.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport