Borthwick names England squad for autumn Tests — SkimNews
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- Steve Borthwick named a 36-man England training squad for the November Tests against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, prioritizing experience over current form ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
- Joe Marchant is recalled to the squad despite limited club minutes, with former England wing Chris Ashton suggesting the selection reflects Borthwick's personal relationships rather than form.
- Will Joseph earns inclusion after strong performances for Gloucester, emerging as a key contender for the center position alongside Marchant in a competitive midfield battle.
- Archie McParland and Kepu Tuipulotu are uncapped inclusions, though their path to game time is narrow due to established players like Jack van Poortvliet, Alex Mitchell, Jamie George, and Luke Cowan-Dickie.
- Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Seb Atkinson, and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are sidelined with injuries, weakening Borthwick’s options in key positions ahead of the autumn series.
- Fin Smith misses initial training with a calf niggle, prompting the call-up of Charlie Atkinson, while Borthwick’s limited camp time increases reliance on established player combinations.
Why it matters: England has won just three of eight matches in 2026, making November’s results critical for momentum. Borthwick’s reliance on experienced players over in-form candidates like Nathan Jibulu or George Hendy raises stakes—if established names underperform, squad cohesion and World Cup readiness could unravel quickly.
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