Chris Ashton is one of seven players dropped from England's training squad as head coach Stuart Lancaster closes in on the final 31 who will carry the nation's hopes at the home World Cup.
Ashton is the highest-profile casualty, while fellow wings Semesa Rokoduguni and Marland Yarde, centre Kyle Eastmond, scrum-half Lee Dickson, flanker Matt Kvesic and prop Matt Mullan have also been dropped.
The departures reduce the number of players who will be returning to the squad's training camp at Pennyhill Park to 39, with 31 August the deadline for Lancaster to name his final 31-man party for England 2015.
"It has been difficult to narrow down the squad as everyone has contributed and given their all," Lancaster said.
"But what I've said to those guys who are not coming back in on Sunday is that the door is not closed by any means.
"They are only an injury away and there is a lot of international rugby to be played this season, culminating in a three-Test tour to Australia."
The make-up of England's midfield and back three contingents are the most vexing issue facing Lancaster and a clearer picture will only emerge after the matches against France at Twickenham on Saturday and in Paris a week later.
Brad Barritt and Jonathan Joseph are certain to be present at the World Cup, leaving Burgess, Slade, Billy Twelvetrees and Luther Burrell to contend for the two remaining midfield berths.
Joseph can also cover wing, as can Brown, potentially offering the chance to take just two wings to the tournament and freeing up room for Cipriani to be included as a utility player covering full-back and offering fly-half support to George Ford and Owen Farrell.
Once the final 31-man squad has been named, England will be at full strength for their last warm-up game against Ireland at Twickenham on September 5 before opening the World Cup against Fiji 13 days later.
