The England squad named by head coach Steve Borthwick for the November Tests against Australia, Japan and New Zealand has ignited discussion about the balance between experience and current form as the 2027 Rugby World Cup draws nearer. Borthwick unveiled a 36‑man training group on Monday, giving a clear picture of the players he intends to rely on both in the short‑term autumn series and the long‑term World Cup campaign. The squad will travel to Australia for the first test on 8 November, followed by fixtures in Japan on 14 November and New Zealand on 21 November.
Among the selections are a handful of familiar names and a few newcomers. Centre Joe Marchant earned a recall, while Gloucester’s rising star Will Joseph was rewarded for an excellent start to the season. Uncapped scrum‑half Archie McParland and hooker Kepu Tuipulotu also made the list, adding fresh faces to a largely tried‑and‑tested group. Former England wing Chris Ashton, speaking on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast, noted that the squad “is not picked on form, is it? … It is a squad to get to the World Cup.” He added that while Joseph’s inclusion reflects form, the majority of the group leans on experience and long‑standing relationships with Borthwick.
The selection dilemma is a familiar one for England coaches, who must juggle ten viable candidates for each position against the need for continuity. Players such as Fin Baxter, Luke Cowan‑Dickie, Jamie George, Will Stuart, George Furbank and Ben Curry have all seen limited minutes or dip in form this season, yet each remains a Borthwick regular with valuable test experience. Ashton argued that Borthwick feels pressure to deliver results, making major changes “too late,” and that the pool of players with substantial recent game time is limited.
Injury concerns further tighten Borthwick’s options. Fast‑track recruit Benhard Janse van Rensburg is ruled out, while midfield partner Seb Atkinson and Exeter flyer Immanuel Feyi‑Waboso sit on the rehabilitation list. Fly‑half Fin Smith, the nailed‑on starter, missed a training session with a calf niggle, prompting the call‑up of Charlie Atkinson as cover. In the forwards, the selection picture appears clearer: Ellis Genge, George, Cowan‑Dickie, Joe Heyes, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Alex Coles, Maro Itoje, George Martin, Ben Earl, Tom Curry and Henry Pollock are all expected to feature if fit.
The midfield, however, remains a contested area. With the uncapped McParland joining established scrum‑halves Jack van Poortvliet and Alex Mitchell, questions arise about his likely game time. Similarly, Tuipulotu will have to compete with seasoned hookers George and Cowan‑Dickie. Former England centre Ugo Monye highlighted the depth of talent, pointing out Sale’s Nathan Jibulu and Northampton’s George Hendy as players who could merit attention. Monye also wondered why Bristol back‑rower Fitz Harding had been omitted, suggesting that Borthwick’s squad was largely set a month ago.
The centre battle is particularly tight. Atkinson and Henry Slade paired in England’s July victory over Argentina and could line up again against the Wallabies. Yet Marchant and Joseph are also vying for the number 13 jersey, each offering versatility that could prove valuable in a World Cup squad. Monye described the situation as a “shoot‑out,” noting that both players can operate on the wing and that selectors often favour adaptable options. He cautioned that bold decisions are easier to discuss when the coach’s own job is not on the line, adding that fans of the Premiership may expect Atkinson and Joseph to start at 12 and 13 respectively, but that such a lineup would be surprising.
Borthwick’s camp will stay together until Tuesday evening before the players return to their clubs for one more round of league action. They will reconvene with England the following Sunday, just seven days before the first Test in Australia. The limited preparation time show the emphasis on established combinations and seasoned performers. A year ago England rode a winning streak into the autumn series, but the 2026 season has been underwhelming, with only three victories from eight matches. As the World Cup approaches, the side’s trajectory remains uncertain, and a strong showing in November could be key.
The next steps hinge on how the squad performs in the upcoming Tests, the management of injuries, and whether Borthwick will make any late‑season adjustments before finalising his World Cup roster. The England squad’s composition now sets the tone for the final year of preparation, and all eyes will be on the outcomes of the November fixtures to gauge the team’s readiness for the tournament in Australia next October.
