England’s autumn rugby campaign has been dealt a severe blow as Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tom Curry are sidelined for the remainder of the month. Feyi-Waboso suffered an ankle injury during the first half of Sunday’s 45-22 victory over Australia, while Tom Curry sustained a hip issue during training last week. Neither player will be available for the upcoming fixtures against Japan, New Zealand, or the final weekend of the series.
Further personnel concerns persist ahead of Saturday’s match against Japan. George Furbank is managing a groin injury, while Ollie Chessum is nursing a shoulder problem and Seb Atkinson is out with a hip complaint. England remains hopeful that these three players will recover in time to face the All Blacks, though their availability for the immediate future remains uncertain.
Head coach Steve Borthwick is preparing for significant changes to his lineup. With Ben Curry likely to be rested following his recent recovery from a long-term hamstring injury, rising star Henry Pollock is in contention for a spot in the back row. While Pollock impressed on the wing during his cameo against the Wallabies, Borthwick indicated he would likely deploy the Northampton forward in his natural back-row position rather than as a winger against Japan.
Selection dilemmas extend to the center and wing positions. Borthwick is weighing up options for the No 12 jersey, favoring either Max Ojomoh—who delivered a standout performance for England A against Argentina—or Fraser Dingwall. On the flanks, Joe Marchant, Will Joseph, Cadan Murley, and Noah Caluori are being considered as replacements for Feyi-Waboso, with Saracens’ Tobias Elliott also receiving a call-up. Tommy Freeman may be rotated out of the squad as part of a broader plan to manage player workloads over the six-day turnaround.
In the back row, Borthwick is evaluating depth to replace Chessum, with Alex Coles potentially moving to blindside flanker alongside George Martin at lock. The wider squad has been bolstered by the inclusion of Max Hicks and Jack Kenningham. Hicks, who has previously represented New Zealand Māori, qualifies for England through his grandmother. Meanwhile, Northampton scrum-half Archie McParland is fit and could be in line for a potential international debut. Marcus Smith and Freddie Steward are the main contenders for the No 15 jersey in place of Furbank while Borthwick has a number of back‑row options to replace Chessum.
As England prepares to face Japan, coach Eddie Jones has hinted that his side will look to employ tactical surprises. Borthwick expressed deep respect for his predecessor, describing Jones as an outstanding coach who will undoubtedly devise a strategic plan to challenge England. Despite the mounting injury list, England continues preparations under the guidance of Borthwick, who has again opted not to recall Courtney Lawes for this campaign. Eddie Jones, who was England head coach from 2016 to 2022, hinted his Japan side would look to throw a curveball or two to unsettle Borthwick’s men after the Brave Blossoms’ defeat by Wales on Saturday. But if you’re making a list of great coaches then he’s up towards the top, i don’t know who the best rugby coaches in the world would be. I’m sure Japan will have a tactical plan to come here and try and derail us.
