England’s recent clash with the All Blacks was intense, with fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
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Despite a commendable effort, the squad fell short – but the silver lining is the opportunity to inject fresh talent into the mix.
Here’s a look at four players who could add a fresh spark to Steve Borthwick’s lineup. With a blend of youth, agility, and experience, these players could be game-changers for England.
Guy Pepper: The Bath Dynamo
Club: Bath
Position: Back-row
Age: 21
Guy Pepper is emerging as one of Bath’s most promising young back-rowers, known for his relentless work rate and tactical intelligence on the pitch. At 21, he’s already shown maturity beyond his years, becoming a regular feature in Bath’s squad this season.
His physicality, combined with his ability to read the game, makes him a standout candidate for the England back row. Pepper’s defensive chops would make him a valuable asset in Borthwick’s defensive schemes, while his ball-carrying skills could add depth in England’s attacking options.
Christian Wade: Gloucester’s X-Factor
Club: Gloucester
Position: Wing
Age: 32
Christian Wade’s recent return to rugby union has fans buzzing. The electric winger made a name for himself in the Premiership before making a move to the NFL. Now back on English soil and playing for Gloucester, Wade hasn’t missed a beat.
Known for his dazzling footwork and blistering pace, Wade could provide England with the clinical edge they need on the wing. At 32, his experience and sheer ability to break through defensive lines could give England’s backline an instant upgrade. Wade’s presence would add an X-factor that Borthwick’s squad could leverage against top-tier opponents.
Josh Hodge: Exeter Chiefs’ Rising Star
Club: Exeter Chiefs
Position: Fullback/Wing
Age: 24
Josh Hodge is a player who’s quickly making waves at Exeter Chiefs. With his versatility in the back three and an eye for counter-attacking opportunities, Hodge could be a valuable addition to the England squad.
The 24-year-old has a knack for spotting gaps and breaking through them, while his accurate boot and game awareness make him a dependable option at fullback. England could benefit from his reliability under the high ball and his ability to turn defence into attack. Hodge’s speed and agility would give England’s backline a dynamic boost.
Afolabi Fasogbon: Gloucester’s Physical Presence
Club: Gloucester
Position: Prop
Age: 22
Afolabi Fasogbon has been quietly turning heads with his powerful performances at Gloucester. At 22, the prop brings a raw physicality that England’s pack could use to dominate up front. Known for his solid scrummaging and mobility around the park, Fasogbon adds the kind of heft and athleticism that England’s front row could lean on.
With the All Blacks match highlighting areas for improvement in England’s set-piece, Fasogbon’s power and stability could reinforce England’s scrum, giving them an edge in the physical battles that define Test matches.
“Brutally targeted” – Five players who flopped in the opening round of the Autumn Nations Series
Here’s a look at five players who’ll want to leave their performances behind after the All Blacks defeated England and Scotland routed Fiji in the Autumn Nations Series opener.
Ellis Genge (England)
Guardian 5/10: “Back from calf injury and gassed by Tele’a for first try. Embraced the blitz defence but beaten by Jordan too easily as well.”
Telegraph 5/10: “Brutally targeted by the All Blacks for their opening tries by Tele’a and Jordan. Rule of thumb: don’t leave your prop exposed against All Black outside backs.”
Ben Spencer (England)
Guardian 5/10: “First start at 32 and looked nervous, caught out at one ruck on his own 22 and charged down. Settled thereafter but not the statement showing he’d have liked.”
