By Karim Hammam
England fly-half Fin Smith is on track to feature in the autumn opener against Australia after progressing well from a calf injury suffered on 24 October.
Smith progresses through recovery
Smith will take part in a pivotal training session on Wednesday, his first with the England squad since the injury sustained during Northampton's defeat by Leicester. Head coach Steve Borthwick is increasingly optimistic that the British and Irish Lion will be fit for Sunday's Nations Championship clash at Allianz Stadium, with the team announcement due on Friday.
If Smith fails to prove his fitness, Test centurion George Ford and Harlequins playmaker Marcus Smith will compete for the number 10 jersey.
Mitchell ruled out for entire autumn
England have also been dealt a blow with scrum-half Alex Mitchell ruled out of the entire autumn campaign due to a hamstring injury, his fourth of 2026. The injury occurred during Northampton's match against Gloucester, and with Archie McParland also sidelined for the Australia game, Ben Spencer and Harry Randall have been added to the squad.
Wing Tommy Freeman, who has started the last two Tests, said the team is focused on continuity in the backline while remaining adaptable.
