England’s preparations for the impending Autumn Nations Cup stepped up a notch as head coach Eddie Jones named his 36-player squad on Monday, with nine uncapped hopefuls named among the ranks.
Those to have received a call-up will be in contention for game-time throughout the Red Rose’s schedule over the coming weeks, with the 2019 Rugby World Cup runners-up having one Six Nations game left to play before their attentions turn to the Autumn Nations Cup.
England remain hopeful of claiming the Six Nations crown for the first time since 2017, sitting just one point behind current table-toppers Ireland with a trip to Italy to come on Saturday, while Andy Farrell’s men travel to France.
Once the dust is settled on the Championship conclusion, England will get their Autumn Nations Cup Group A campaign underway against Georgia at Twickenham, before facing Ireland at home and rounding off the pool stage against Wales in Llanelli.
Then, Jones’ charges will contest a placing match to determine their final position at Rugby HQ in early December.
Injuries to nine players has prompted the inclusion of several new faces in the England camp as the team’s first match action in over seven months draws ever nearer, with Wasps pair Jack Willis and Jacob Umaga being rewarded for their impressive form with call-ups.
While Willis and Umaga helped the Coventry-based side all the way to Saturday’s Premiership final, Exeter Chiefs’ Jonny Hill will be similarly hoping to earn a first Test cap after claiming domestic glory at Twickenham.
Henry Slade, Harry Williams, Joe Launchbury and Dan Robson also step up to the international stage after their domestic duties, while Ollie Lawrence, Max Malins, Ollie Thorley, Tom Dunn, Beno Obano and David Ribbans are all hoping for their senior international bows.
While Jones was disappointed England’s scheduled weekend fixture against the Barbarians was ultimately cancelled, the Australian called on his team to lift the nation’s spirits during the ongoing uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: “We want to put a smile on fans’ faces. A lot of people are enduring hardships and we are grateful for the opportunity to represent England in these difficult times.
“We were obviously disappointed with the postponement of the Barbarians game but we moved to plan B, had a highly competitive training session instead of the match and now we are fully focused on the Italy game and the goal of winning the Six Nations.
“It was a tough squad to pick and I know there are a number of disappointed players that have just missed out. We’ve got a good balance between experience and inexperience.
“With nine players out injured, it does create some opportunities for the younger guys to show what they can do. We’re very happy with what we’ve seen in the mini-camps and the Barbarians training week, it’s been really competitive.”
England squad for autumn fixtures
Backs
Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby, 9 caps)
Owen Farrell (Saracens, 83 caps)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 2 caps)
Willi Heinz (Gloucester Rugby, 13 caps)
Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 50 caps)
Ollie Lawrence (Worcester Warriors, uncapped)
Max Malins (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 3 caps)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 56 caps)
Dan Robson (Wasps, 2 caps)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 29 caps)
Ollie Thorley (Gloucester Rugby, uncapped)
Jacob Umaga (Wasps, uncapped)
Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 43 caps)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 99 caps)
Forwards
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 23 caps)
Tom Dunn (Bath Rugby, uncapped)
Ben Earl (Bristol Bears, 3 caps)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 15 caps)
Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 18 caps)
Jamie George (Saracens, 49 caps)
Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
Ted Hill (Worcester Warriors, 1 cap)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 38 caps)
Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 65 caps)
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 8 caps)
Beno Obano (Bath Rugby, uncapped)
David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Jack Singleton (Gloucester Rugby, 3 caps)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 35 caps)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 3 caps)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 18 caps)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 51 caps)
Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 59 caps)
Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs, 18 caps)
Jack Willis (Wasps, uncapped)
