Slade back as Borthwick names touring squad

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Alex Mitchell and George Ford were the notable injury absentees from Steve Borthwick’s 36-man England squad named on Wednesday for November games against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan.

Flyhalf Ford is expected to join the squad as soon as he recovers from a thigh strain.

Scrumhalf Mitchell has not played all season due to a neck injury and is unlikely to take any part in the series.

Henry Slade, who has been out of action since undergoing shoulder surgery, was also included along with Alex Lozowski, who last donned the England jersey six years ago but has been in great form for Saracens.

England narrowly lost both tests in New Zealand this year and meet them again in the first match on Nov. 2.

The squad – which is made up of 20 forwards and 16 backs – will assemble at the England Performance Centre on Monday, October 21 before flying to Girona to begin their training.

“Naming this squad is an exciting step in our preparations for the Nations Series, and we look forward to working with the players again in the days ahead,” said Borthwick.

“Our focus is on thorough preparation and building cohesion as we approach what will be a fiercely competitive series.

“Facing New Zealand in the opening match is a tremendous opportunity for us to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.

“Having only played at Twickenham twice in our last 15 games, it will be fantastic to return and play in front of our home crowd. The energy and passion of our supporters always give the players an extra boost.”

Following the Test match against New Zealand, England face Australia, South Africa and Japan.

England’s 36-player squad:

Forwards
Fin Baxter
Ollie Chessum
Dan Cole
Luke Cowan-Dickie
Chandler Cunningham-South
Ben Curry
Tom Curry
Theo Dan
Trevor Davison
Alex Dombrandt
Ben Earl
Charlie Ewels
Ellis Genge
Jamie George
Nick Isiekwe
Maro Itoje
Joe Marler
George Martin
Will Stuart
Sam Underhill

Backs
Elliot Daly
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Tommy Freeman
George Furbank
Ollie Lawrence
Alex Lozowski
Luke Northmore
Harry Randall
Tom Roebuck
Henry Slade
Ollie Sleightholme
Fin Smith
Marcus Smith
Ben Spencer
Freddie Steward
Jack van Poortvliet

Rehabilitation: George Ford

*Players not considered for selection: Alex Coles, Joe Cokanasiga, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell, Will Muir, Max Ojomoh, Raffi Quirke, Bevan Rodd