Despite not having played for Exeter this season, Henry Slade has been chosen to be part of England’s team for the forthcoming autumn international games next month. Slade, a 31-year-old centre player, took part in a mini training camp last week for rehabilitation after undergoing a shoulder operation during the summer. He has been selected for the squad of 36 men who will play the November Tests against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Japan.
In the meantime, Alex Mitchell has been left out due to an ongoing neck issue, while George Ford is taking part in rehab as he recovers from a quad muscle tear he endured earlier this month. Initial concerns suggested these injuries may cause them to miss the autumn season, but the aim now is to have them return to full health soon.
It is currently unclear whether Slade and Ford will participate in the training camp taking place next week in Girona or whether they will remain with their clubs to acquire more play time before the autumn matches. This will be the first real test of the newly formed Professional Game Partnership.
The inclusion of Slade in the squad, despite his absence at Exeter, is good news for head coach Steve Borthwick, especially as Fraser Dingwall, due to a knee injury, is out of the game. Luke Northmore, included in the last week’s rehab list, is also part of the 36-man squad. Another potential debutant in the team is Alex Lozowski, who could earn his first cap in six years in the following month.
However, there is no room in the squad for Tom Pearson or Tom Willis, despite Tom and Ben Curry returning to the fold. Willis’ exclusion is particularly surprising, given his impressive performance for Saracens this season. Alex Dombrandt is included, after recovering from a hand injury. There is no space for Alex Coles, Greg Fisilau or Oscar Beard in the squad.
Borthwick, upon announcing the team, expressed his excitement about England’s preparations for the Autumn Nations Series and emphasised his eagerness to work with the players in the run-up to the games.
As per a Guardian report, the focus now is on a detailed preparation and fostering team unity, looking at a heavily demanding series that lies ahead. The first match against New Zealand is a golden chance to gauge our performance against one of the world’s leading teams.
Playing only twice at Allianz stadium, previously known as Twickenham, in the past 15 matches, the occasion to return and perform in front of a home audience is a delight. The fervour and avidity of our fans always provide that additional motivation for our players.
The England squad is graced by an impressive array of talent:
The backs: Daly from Saracens, Feyi-Waboso from Exeter, Freeman and Furbank, both from Northampton, Lawrence from Bath, Lozowski from Saracens, Northmore from Harlequins, Randall from Bristol, Roebuck from Sale, Slade from Exeter, and Sleightholme and the Smiths from Northampton. Also included are Spencer from Bath, Steward and van Poortvliet, both representing Leicester.
The forwards: Baxter from Harlequins, Chessum and Cole from Leicester, Cowan-Dickie from Sale, Cunningham-South, another Harlequin, the Curry brothers from Sale, Dan from Saracens, Davison from Northampton, Dombrandt from Harlequins, Earl from Saracens, Ewels from Bath, Genge from Bristol and George from Saracens. The list is complemented by Isiekwe, Itoje, two hard-hitting Saracens, Marler from Harlequins, Martin from Leicester, and lastly, Stuart and Underhill, both from Bath.