Maro Itoje has been included in England's first senior squad since the summer tour, signalling his readiness to re‑join the national side after a brief period of rest. The 28‑year‑old lock, who was deliberately held out of the Nations Championship fixtures against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina, now finds his name among a 36‑man group that will commence a three‑day training camp on Sunday as part of the autumn preparations.
The camp marks the first step toward the upcoming test series, and Itoje is expected to resume his role as a leader on the field, likely captaining the side for the opening match against Australia at Allianz Stadium on 8 November. He will take over the captaincy duties from Jamie George, who stepped in during the July fixtures.
In contrast, veteran forwards Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant remain on the periphery of the squad. Both players have recently become eligible for selection after returning from stints in France—Lawes with Brive and Marchant with Stade Français—but their reintegration into the English game has been delayed. Head coach Steve Borthwick has indicated that he wants to assess how each player adapts back to the pace and physicality of the Gallagher Premiership before committing them to future England squads. This cautious approach reflects the coach’s desire to ensure that any return to international duty is earned on merit and current form rather than past reputation.
Lawes and Marchant were members of the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad, and their experience is highly valued. Lawes, in particular, brings a wealth of leadership and tactical insight that could prove vital for an England side looking to rebuild after a mixed campaign. However, Borthwick’s emphasis on performance in the domestic league means that both men must demonstrate consistency with their respective clubs—Sale Sharks for Lawes and Sale Sharks for Marchant—before they can be considered for the next round of internationals. The squad also features several other notable inclusions and absences.
Harlequins prop Fin Baxter, who missed the latter part of the season due to a series of foot injuries, has made a comeback and is back in contention. Young talents such as Archie McParland and Kepueli Tuipulotu have been added to the roster, offering fresh energy and depth.
McParland, a scrum‑half, appeared set to join the summer tour before a severe leg wound suffered in Northampton’s Premiership final against Exeter forced him out. His recovery has been closely monitored, and the current injury list provides him with a realistic opportunity to impress Borthwick.
In the half‑back department, Alex Mitchell (hamstring) and Ben Spencer (shoulder) remain established options, but both are currently undergoing rehabilitation with their clubs. This situation opens a window for McParland to stake his claim. Meanwhile, other players are sidelined: Max Ojomoh (calf) and Noah Clauori (wrist) are unavailable, and Tom Roebuck’s selection for Sale on Sunday precludes his involvement with the national squad at this stage.
Both George and Ollie Chessum have joined the England camp but are receiving treatment for groin and foot issues respectively. The forward contingent listed for the camp includes a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging prospects: Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Arthur Clark (Gloucester Rugby), 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) and Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby).
The backline features a mix of power and flair: Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby), 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) and Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers). England’s schedule for the autumn series begins with a high‑profile encounter against Australia at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Sunday, 8 November, as part of round four of the Nations Championship. Following that test, the team will face Japan and then the formidable All Blacks.
The fixture list also includes a marquee showdown between New Zealand and South Africa in Baltimore, USA, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Action at 10 pm on Saturday. The composition of the squad reflects Borthwick’s strategic balance between experience and youth, aiming to build a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level. While Itoje’s immediate return adds stability to the second row, the waiting game for Lawes and Marchant underscores the coach’s commitment to form‑based selection.
The expanded roster provides depth across all positions, ensuring that England can field competitive line‑ups despite injuries and international duties. As the camp progresses, performances in the Premiership and training sessions will dictate who secures a place in the final match‑day squads for the upcoming tests, setting the tone for England’s ambitions in the remainder of the season.