By Islam El-Sakka
England head coach Steve Borthwick has recalled Joe Marchant and Will Joseph to the national squad to bolster center options ahead of the upcoming Nations Championship. The decision comes as the team faces several backline injury concerns leading into their November Test series.
Injury Concerns and Squad Updates
The return of Marchant and Joseph provides much-needed depth after Benhard Janse van Rensburg was ruled out due to a significant head injury sustained while playing for Bristol. Additionally, Seb Atkinson will join the camp solely for rehabilitation purposes ahead of the match against Australia. Flanker Guy Pepper is also currently undergoing rehabilitation, with Tom Pearson brought in to support the back row.
In the front row, Bath youngster Kepu Tuipulotu has been selected as the third hooker, ahead of Gabriel Oghre and Theo Dan. The 36-man squad, which will convene at Pennyhill Park, also features uncapped scrum-half Archie McParland and Fin Baxter, who returns to action following a 10-month absence.
Upcoming Test Schedule
England faces a challenging schedule in November, with fixtures against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. Chandler Cunningham-South is confirmed to miss these matches as he undergoes surgery for an ankle injury. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Pepper, and Atkinson are all being monitored with hopes of returning in time for the opening match. The squad will return to their respective clubs on Tuesday for one final round of Premiership fixtures before the Nations Championship resumes.
