England coach Steve Borthwick has left out George Ford from his 36-man squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series. Next month, the Red Roses host New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan in their newly named Allianz Stadium, with their opening game against the All Blacks on November 2.
Ford, 31, missed last week’s training camp with a quad injury and was considered a doubt for the upcoming games. And the outside half has not been included in the initial squad, instead listed under ‘rehabilitation’.
It means he could yet play a part later on in the series, with Fin and Marcus Smith currently selected as the two No.10 options. Harlequins captain Alex Dombrandt however, is picked despite the No.8 having been out for a month with a broken hand.
Centre Henry Slade and flanker Tom Curry have been deemed to have recovered from injury to make the squad. Slade underwent shoulder surgery after the summer tour to New Zealand and has not played for Exeter this season, while Sale’s Curry has recently returned from a concussion break.
However, first-choice scrum hald Alex Mitchell is ruled out with a neck problem. In his absence, Borthwick has selected Ben Spencer, Jack van Poortvliet and Harry Randall as his three No.9 options.
Alex Coles, Joe Cokanasiga, Fraser Dingwall, Will Muir, Max Ojomoh, Raffi Quirk and Bevan Rodd were also all listed as ‘not considered for selection’ due to injury issues. As expected, hooker Jamie George is retained as captain.
After the New Zealand game, England take on Australia on Saturday November 9, followed by an acid test against world champions South Africa seven days later. They finish their series on Sunday, November 24, by taking on Japan.
“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,” said head coach Borthwick. “Having only played at Allianz Stadium twice in our last 15 games, it will be fantastic to return and play in front of our home crowd.”
England 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 (Leicester Tigers, 14 caps).
Rehabilitation: George Ford. Not considered for selection: Alex Coles, Joe Cokanasiga, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell, Will Muir, Max Ojomoh, Raffi Quirke, Bevan Rodd.
