Steve Borthwick names his England team to play Japan as they look to end a dismal run of five straight defeats.
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England’s Autumn Blues Continue
England’s 2024 Autumn Nations Series has been a story of frustration, with Steve Borthwick’s side struggling to turn promise into results. Despite strong starts, a worrying trend of late collapses has led to five consecutive defeats, each by single-digit margins.
This marks England’s first five-match losing streak since 2018, piling pressure on the coaching setup. Reflecting on the most recent setback against South Africa, Borthwick admitted: “Terribly frustrating.”
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Team News
Jamie George will lead an England team featuring two changes to the starting XV that was defeated by South Africa last weekend, with George Furbank and Tom Curry brought into the lineup. George will be supported by vice-captains Maro Itoje, Ben Earl, and Ellis Genge.
In the front row, George starts at hooker, with Genge at loosehead prop and Will Stuart at tighthead. In the second row, Itoje is paired with George Martin. The back row sees Curry on the blindside, Sam Underhill at openside, and Earl at No. 8.
In the half-back positions, scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet partners Marcus Smith at 10 while the midfield seesHenry Slade named at inside centre alongside Ollie Lawrence at 13.
In the back three, Tommy Freeman continues on the right wing, Ollie Sleightholme on the left and Furbank returns at full-back to round off the starting XV.
20-year-old prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour is set to earn his first England senior cap from the bench during Sunday’s match. He joins Luke Cowan-Dickie, Fin Baxter, Nick Isiekwe, Chandler Cunningham-South, Harry Randall, Fin Smith, and Tom Roebuck amongst the replacements.
Borthwick said:
“We anticipate a tough challenge from a team that thrives on playing fast and with tempo,” said Borthwick.
“Japan are a dangerous team so it’s important that we execute our game plan and maintain focus throughout the full 80 minutes.”
“Feyi-Waboso Still Sidelined”
Fans hoping to see World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year nominee Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will have to wait a little longer. The exciting back is still recovering from a head injury sustained against Australia earlier in the series.
“Match Details: England vs Japan”
- Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024
- Kick-off: 4:10pm GMT (1:10am Monday in Japan)
- Venue: Allianz Stadium Twickenham, South-West London
This is the final game of England’s Autumn Nations Series, following close defeats to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Will Opoku-Fordjour’s debut mark a turning point for Borthwick’s men?
England team to play Japan:
15. George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 13 caps)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 14 caps)
13. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 30 caps)
12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 68 caps)
11. Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 38 caps)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 15 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 65 caps) – vice-captain
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 96 caps) – captain
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 44 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 87 caps) – vice-captain
5. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 18 caps)
6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 55 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 39 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 36 caps) – vice-captain
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 43 caps)
17. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 5 caps)
18. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
19. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 14 caps)
20. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 10 caps)
21. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 10 caps)
22. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
23. Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
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Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?
Whether it’s the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.
Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let’s see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!
