Maro Itoje has secured a place in England's first training group since the summer tour, yet both Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant must first demonstrate their form at Sale before they can be considered for a recall. Itoje, who was rested for the Nations Championship fixtures against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina, is now listed in a 36‑man panel that will commence its autumn preparations with a three‑day camp starting on Sunday.
The Saracens lock, who has been a mainstay of the side for several years, is expected to resume his captaincy duties for the opening match against Australia at Allianz Stadium on 8 November, taking over the armband from Jamie George, who temporarily led the side in July. Lawes and Marchant have become eligible for selection again after returning from their stints in France with Brive and Stade Français respectively.
Their moves across the Channel effectively paused their international careers, and head coach Steve Borthwick is said to want to assess how they reintegrate into the Gallagher Premiership before making any decisions about their inclusion in future England squads. Both players were members of the 2023 World Cup roster, and Lawes in particular is under close scrutiny because of the experience and leadership he could bring to an England set‑up that is currently seeking those qualities. The veteran forward’s form and fitness will be key factors in determining whether he can re‑enter the national picture.
Among the backs, the highly‑rated prop Fin Baxter is back in contention after a series of foot injuries kept him out of action since December. In addition, promising newcomers Archie McParland and Kepueli Tuipulotu have earned spots in the squad. McParland, a scrum‑half, appeared poised to join the summer tour until a serious leg wound suffered in Northampton's Premiership final win over Exeter forced him out of that program.
The coaching staff has also noted that Alex Mitchell (hamstring) and Ben Spencer (shoulder) remain the more established options at half‑back, but both are currently undergoing rehabilitation with their clubs. This circumstance opens a window for McParland to impress Borthwick during the camp. Injuries continue to affect squad availability: Max Ojomoh is sidelined with a calf problem, Noah Clauori is dealing with a wrist injury, and Tom Roebuck’s selection for Sale on Sunday prevents him from joining the England group. Additionally, Jamie George and Ollie Chessum have reported to training but are receiving treatment for groin and foot issues respectively.
The forward list for the camp includes: Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Arthur Clark (Gloucester), Alex Coles (Northampton Saints), Luke Cowan‑Dickie (Sale Sharks), Chandler Cunningham‑South (Harlequins), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Theo Dan (Saracens), Ben Earl (Saracens), Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Emmanuel Iyogun (Northampton Saints), George Kloska (Bristol Bears), George Martin (Saracens), Asher Opoku‑Fordjour (Sale Sharks), Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby), Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby), Kepueli Tuipulotu (Bath Rugby), Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby). The backline selections feature: Seb Atkinson (Gloucester), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Tobias Elliott (Saracens), Immanuel Feyi‑Waboso (Exeter Chiefs), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints), George Furbank (Harlequins), Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol Bears), Archie McParland (Northampton Saints), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers).
England will host Australia at Allianz Stadium, Twickenland, on Sunday 8 November for the fourth round of the Nations Championship, before moving on to fixtures against Japan and New Zealand later in the autumn series. Fans can also look forward to the final Test of the year, a showdown between New Zealand and South Africa, which will be broadcast live from Baltimore, USA, on Sky Sports Action at 10 p.m.
on Saturday. This match caps a busy international window and offers a glimpse of the form and fitness of players who may soon be vying for places in the England camp.