England squad: Winners and losers as age-grade international captain called up while ‘quality back-rower’ overlooked again

A 26-man England training squad ahead of the inaugural Nations Championship has been announced, with a whole host of debutants given the opportunity to shine in camp.

Here are our winners and losers from the selection:

Winners

Tobias Elliott: Uncapped by the senior squad and with just one starting appearance for England A, the young winger has the opportunity to break into the full international set-up for the first time. He recovered from injury midway through the 2025/26 season and scored four tries in his opening three matches in his return to the PREM. His electric pace and innate try-scoring ability, as well as his already built cohesion with the Saracens lads, will fit him well as he transitions into Test rugby.

Ben Redshaw: The former Newcastle full-back has found try-scoring form since arriving at Gloucester, crossing 10 times in just 12 appearances this season. The former age-grade international captain trained with the senior squad in 2023 and was a part of the 2024 U20s squad that achieved both Six Nations and World Championship success. Outside of George Furbank and Freddie Steward, England haven’t had much competition for the 15 shirt, so there’s a big opportunity for the 21-year-old here.

Nathan Jibulu: The powerful hooker has done the rounds over the years, starting his professional career with Harlequins, before joining London Scottish and eventually returning to the Stoop, where he was often used as Jack Walker’s replacement. Upon leaving Quins, he soon established himself as the starting hooker for Sale and appeared in England A’s match against Spain last November. His versatility to also play on the flank may give an edge in the international set-up, as Steve Borthwick looks to establish a fine balance within his matchday 23.

George Kloska: At 26 years old, Kloska is a late call-up to the international scene, but considering he had to learn a new position just five years ago, he’s done extremely well to justify his selection. Initially employed as a hooker, he moved to tighthead prop in 2021, and has since secured the number three shirt for Bristol Bears. His appearance against Ireland A in February was impressive enough for Borthwick to take notice.

Will Hobson: Last season, he was playing for London Scottish. This season, he’s been named in the England squad. The 23-year-old prop has shone in the absence of the injured Fin Baxter, so much so that he’s now taken his spot in the England squad – at least while Baxter’s recovering. His ability to play in both the tight and loose will be of great interest to Borthwick as he looks to build toward next year’s World Cup.

Jack Kenningham: A standout player for Harlequins this season, it seems almost unfair that the 26-year-old hasn’t won a senior England cap as of yet. But sadly, with England’s back-row talents being what they are – undeniably excellent – the margins to make the squad are microscopic. With injuries aplenty this summer, however, a debut could well be on the cards.

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Losers

Fitz Harding: The Bristol Bears captain is yet another quality back-rower who has never been able to break into the international fold. His recent performance in the Bears’ victory over Bath was as exemplary as it comes, and indicative of the season that he’s had. His leadership skills are second to none, and he has every right to feel aggrieved for once again missing out on selection.

Charlie Bracken: At the start of the season, Jamie George told Planet Rugby that Bracken was one of the fastest players that he’s ever played with. And the following nine months showed that speed wasn’t the only attribute that made this player special. Since returning from loan at Ampthill, Bracken has worked his way from the bench to the starting line-up. He’s still young and will continue to improve, but with the tried and tested duo of Raffi Quirke and Harry Randall included, it appears Borthwick does not yet view him as Test-ready.

Joe Carpenter: The 24-year-old full-back made his first Test start for England at the end of last season after a series of matches for the ‘A’ side, but has not featured since. Despite performing well for Sale, his side’s lack of form has possibly affected his standing in the roster.

Chandler Cunningham-South: Another whose side has struggled domestically, but individually has also failed to provide the same impact he has in previous seasons. Known for his powerful running style, CCS has been moved around multiple times this season, failing to secure a permanent position within the Harlequins squad. Although his transition between the second and back-row shows a certain amount of versatility, there remain question marks as to where he would settle in the England squad.

Luke Northmore: Once considered a genuine England centre option, the Harlequins man has since dropped off the England radar completely. Although he remains the first choice 13 at Quins, he’s hardly in the conversation at the international level any more.

Injury cohort:

• Rehabilitation: Luke Cowan-Dickie (arm), Ellis Genge (calf) and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (face)
• Long-term issues: Fin Baxter (foot), Bevan Rodd (shoulder), Will Stuart (Achilles), Trevor Davison (knee), Billy Searle (hamstring), Will Muir (shoulder), Ben Curry (hamstring) Elliot Daly (arm) and Alex Mitchell (hamstring)
• Concerns: Freddie Steward (thumb), Greg Fisilau (face)
• Possible rest: Maro Itoje
• Recent returners: Tom Curry, George Martin and Sam Underhill

This England squad does not include players involved in the PREM play-offs. So Northampton Saints, Bath Rugby, Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers players are excluded.

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