England: Steve Borthwick names 36-man squad with Saracens star snubbed, experienced returnees and hope for George Ford in growing injury list
Steve Borthwick has named his squad that will face New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan.
England head coach Steve Borthwick has named a 36-man training squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series this November.
Eight players will miss the clashes against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan through injury but Borthwick has still managed to name a strong squad with a good blend of youth and experience.
England squad for the Autumn Nations Series
Alex Coles, Joe Cokanasiga, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell, Will Muir, Max Ojomoh, Raffi Quirke and Bevan Rodd all miss out on selection through injury.
Mitchell is a notably big blow as he has nailed on the starting scrum-half role since his late call-up to Borthwick’s Rugby World Cup squad last year.
In his absence, Harry Randall, Jack van Poortvliet and Ben SPencer will rival for the starting number nine jersey this November.
Meanwhile, Saracens star Alex Lozowski has been included in the squad and will look to earn his first Test cap in six years for England. The versatile back technically qualifies for Italy now but looks set to revive his Red Rose career.
He is joined in the squad by Sale Sharks hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie who hasn’t pulled on an England shirt since 2022 having struggled with injuries. Prop Ellis Genge is also back in the squad having missed the July internationals.
Notable omissions include in form Saracens back-rower Tom Willis, Bristol winger Gabriel Ibitoye and Harlequins back Oscar Beard.
Fly-half George Ford will continue his rehabilitation with the squad and could still feature in the four internationals.
Steve Borthwick on his squad
The squad – which is made up of 20 forwards and 16 backs – will assemble at the Honda England Rugby Performance Centre, Pennyhill Park on Monday 21 October before flying to Girona to begin their training.
“Naming this squad is an exciting step in our preparations for the Autumn Nations Series, and we look forward to working with the players again in the days ahead.” said Borthwick.
“Our focus is on thorough preparation and building cohesion as we approach what will be a fiercely competitive series.
“Facing New Zealand in the opening match is a tremendous opportunity for us to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.
“Having only played at Allianz Stadium twice in our last 15 games, it will be fantastic to return and play in front of our home crowd. The energy and passion of our supporters always give the players an extra boost.”
England welcome New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday 2 November (kick-off 3.10pm) for their first match of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series, before taking on Australia, South Africa and Japan.
England’s 36-player squad:
Forwards: Fin Baxter, Ollie Chessum, Dan Cole, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Trevor Davison, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Charlie Ewels, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, Joe Marler, George Martin, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill
Backs: Elliot Daly, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Ollie Lawrence, Alex Lozowski, Luke Northmore, Harry Randall, Tom Roebuck, Henry Slade, Ollie Sleightholme, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet
Rehabilitation: George Ford (Sale Sharks)
Not considered for selection: Alex Coles (Northampton Saints),Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Will Muir (Bath Rugby), Max Ojomoh (Bath Rugby), Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks), Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks).
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