Eddie Jones announces England squad for Autumn Nations Cup opener - Ruck

Eddie Jones announces England squad for Autumn Nations Cup opener

England head coach Eddie Jones has named a 28-man squad to convene for a three-day training camp.

Jones said: “Our preparation to build the team for the Italy game starts now. We have a three-day camp this week and another one next week then we’re into the week of our Quilter Cup match against the Barbarians. We’ll be slowly building up, working on the basics and working on team cohesion.

“We’re excited to be back together in camp representing England. This autumn we want to play for the fans and give them something to smile about.”

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An updated squad will be confirmed ahead of England’s next training camp from Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 October.

England have six upcoming fixtures this autumn starting with the uncapped Quilter Cup against the Barbarians (25 October, KO 2pm GMT, live on Sky Sports).

Following a trip to Rome to face Italy (31 Oct, KO 4.45pm GMT, live on ITV) in the final round of the delayed 2020 Guinness Six Nations, England will play four matches as part of the Autumn Nations Cup.

Quilter Internationals at Twickenham Stadium against Georgia (14 November, KO 3pm) and Ireland (21 November, KO 3pm), an away match v Wales (28 November, KO 4pm) before returning to Twickenham for a placing match to determine final position in the competition (6 December, KO 2pm). All Autumn Nations Cup games will be live on Amazon Prime.

England squad for Autumn Nations Cup opener

BACKS

Ali Crossdale, Saracens*
Elliot Daly, Saracens
Fraser Dingwall, Northampton Saints*
Nathan Earle, Harlequins*
Owen Farrell, Saracens
George Ford, Leicester Tigers
Piers Francis, Northampton Saints
George Furbank, Northampton Saints
Willi Heinz, Gloucester Rugby
Joe Marchant, Harlequins
Jonny May, Gloucester Rugby
Alex Mitchell, Northampton Saints*
Ollie Thorley, Gloucester Rugby*
Ben Youngs, Leicester Tigers

FORWARDS

Jack Clement, Gloucester Rugby*
Alex Dombrandt, Harlequins*
Ellis Genge, Leicester Tigers
Jamie George, Saracens
Joe Heyes, Leicester Tigers*
Maro Itoje, Saracens
Simon Kerrod, Harlequins*
Lewis Ludlow, Gloucester Rugby*
Alex Moon, Northampton Saints*
David Ribbans, Northampton Saints*
Jack Singleton, Gloucester Rugby
Billy Vunipola, Saracens
Mako Vunipola, Saracens
Mark Wilson, Newcastle Falcons


Sir Clive Woodward leaves Sam Underhill out of his England XV

BACK-THREE

11. Joe Cokanasiga, 14. Jonny May, 15. Anthony Watson

“I want to see Anthony Watson as full-back and Jonny May given a license to thrill. Elliot Daly, Joe Cokanasiga and Ollie Thorley can fight it out for the other wing position.”


CENTRE

12. Ollie Lawrence & 13. Henry Slade

“Henry Slade is a world-class 13. Pick him there and find the best 12 to go with him. That might be Ollie Lawrence, Exeter’s Ollie Devoto or Manu Tuilagi if he can overcome his latest injury.”

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