England rugby fans have reasons to celebrate and some cause for concern as head coach Steve Borthwick announces the 36-man squad for the upcoming autumn internationals. On one hand, centre Henry Slade and flanker Tom Curry make their highly anticipated returns from injury. On the other, first-choice scrum-half Alex Mitchell is out with a neck issue, leaving England without one of their key players as they gear up for crucial battles against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Japan.
Slade's Return: A Shoulder Comeback Story
Slade, who underwent shoulder surgery after the summer tour to New Zealand, is now back to full fitness. This marks a significant boost for England’s midfield ahead of the challenging test series. Slade’s recovery has been closely monitored, with England’s medical staff working alongside his club, Exeter Chiefs, to ensure a smooth and safe return to play.
Speaking on Slade's recovery, Borthwick shared his confidence in the 30-year-old’s ability to hit the ground running. "We know Sladey's fit from the way he is running and covering that ground," Borthwick told BBC Radio 5 Live. "That is a huge part of his game and one of his great strengths. As his shoulder has got stronger, he has returned to contact, and he feels really confident."
Having earned more than 60 caps for England, Slade’s wealth of experience, coupled with his versatility in both attack and defence, makes him an invaluable asset. His leadership and composure will be needed now more than ever as England face off against the world's best teams.
The partnership between Borthwick and Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter will also be put to the test. A discussion between the two will determine whether Slade can make his club comeback against Newcastle this Friday. For England, the priority is ensuring Slade’s readiness for international duty, but Exeter will want their key man back in action as soon as possible.
Tom Curry: Back in Business
Another boost for England comes in the form of Tom Curry’s return from a concussion lay-off. The Sale Sharks flanker made his comeback during Sale’s recent victory over Newcastle, showing no signs of slowing down after a lengthy recovery process. Curry’s return solidifies England’s back-row options, which will be crucial in high-intensity clashes against physically dominant teams like South Africa and New Zealand.
Curry’s twin brother, Ben Curry, also makes the squad, providing Borthwick with a formidable set of options in the back row. This depth will be vital as England navigate a tough set of fixtures, with Borthwick likely to rotate his squad to manage workloads and prevent further injuries.
Scrum-Half Crisis: Mitchell’s Absence
The absence of Alex Mitchell, however, is a significant blow to England's plans. Mitchell has been instrumental in England’s game plan, particularly with his sharp delivery and intelligent decision-making from the base of the ruck. His neck injury leaves a noticeable gap in the team, forcing Borthwick to turn to other options.
Ben Spencer, Jack van Poortvliet, and Harry Randall are the three scrum-halves selected in Mitchell’s absence. While all three are talented, none bring the same level of experience or established chemistry as Mitchell. Spencer’s last England cap came in 2019, van Poortvliet is still relatively young, and Randall, despite his promise, has yet to fully cement his place in the squad.
How Borthwick manages this position will be key to England’s success in the upcoming matches. The head coach will need to carefully balance form, fitness, and experience as England prepare to face the formidable All Blacks on 2 November.
Slade and Lawrence Reunited
Henry Slade’s return also reopens the possibility of reigniting his successful centre partnership with Ollie Lawrence. The duo were instrumental in England’s narrow summer defeats to New Zealand, providing a solid defensive wall while adding flair in attack. With Fraser Dingwall ruled out due to injury, Slade and Lawrence’s chemistry will be crucial in keeping England’s midfield competitive against the southern hemisphere giants.
England’s other midfield options include Alex Lozowski, who is eyeing his first cap since 2018, and Luke Northmore, who replaces Dingwall in the squad. The call-up is a significant moment for Northmore, who has been pushing for international recognition after a string of impressive performances for Harlequins. If Northmore gets the chance to make his international debut, the autumn internationals could be the perfect stage for him to announce his arrival on the global stage.
Ford, Smith, and the Fly-Half Dilemma
In the stand-off position, George Ford continues his rehabilitation from a torn quad muscle and is included in the squad, alongside Marcus Smith and Fin Smith. Marcus Smith has been in strong form, but with Ford’s recovery progressing well, Borthwick will have a difficult decision to make regarding England’s starting fly-half.
Fin Smith also represents an intriguing option for Borthwick, with the young fly-half gaining experience in the squad. Whether Smith will see significant game time remains to be seen, but his inclusion speaks to England’s future ambitions as they look to develop depth at the pivotal fly-half position.
The Omitted and Unlucky
Despite his impressive start to the season, Tom Willis has been left out of the squad. The Wasps back-rower has been a standout performer, but with competition fierce in the back row, Willis will have to wait for another opportunity to break into Borthwick’s plans.
Ethan Roots, Tom Pearson, and Oscar Beard also miss out, while Bath’s Ted Hill, despite his strong form, couldn’t do enough to force Borthwick’s hand. This is a reminder of the fierce competition within the England camp, where even the slightest dip in form or fitness can see a player miss out on the international stage.
Building Depth and Managing Injuries
Steve Borthwick’s squad announcement reflects the delicate balance of form, fitness, and future planning. Slade and Curry’s returns are timely boosts, but Mitchell’s absence highlights the ongoing challenge of managing injuries in modern rugby. Borthwick’s challenge will be to maintain momentum while also ensuring that players like Slade are eased back into action without being overburdened.
England's autumn campaign is about more than just winning—it’s about building depth, testing new combinations, and managing workloads. With the Rugby World Cup looming on the horizon, these internationals will serve as a key indicator of how prepared England is to challenge the world's best teams.
