England will kick off their Nations Championship campaign against Australia at Allianz Stadium this weekend.
Steve Borthwick's side won two of their three matches in the competition and will be eager to put themselves in the strongest possible position ahead of the finals weekend, which will also take place at Allianz Stadium.
Following the squad announcement yesterday evening, we take a look at how England could line up for their opening encounter with the Wallabies.
Front row: Genge, George, Heyes
The front row looks relatively straightforward, with Ellis Genge and Joe Heyes expected to continue as the starting props. Both have impressed enough to retain their places and remain among the first names on the teamsheet.
Jamie George gets the nod at hooker ahead of Luke Cowan-Dickie, having enjoyed the better run of form recently. However, this is an area Borthwick may need to address in the coming months, with both experienced internationals now entering the latter stages of their careers.
Second row: Itoje, Martin
Maro Itoje returns to the second row after a well-earned rest. He has looked refreshed in his early-season performances for Saracens and should also reclaim the captaincy.
He is joined by new Saracens teammate George Martin, who brings enormous physicality and impressed when given his opportunities over the summer. His performance against South Africa was particularly encouraging, showing he can compete with the very best.
Back row: Chessum, Curry, Earl
In the back row, Ollie Chessum starts at blindside flanker, which increasingly looks like his best position.
Leaving Henry Pollock out will divide opinion, but Tom Curry's experience could prove crucial against Australia.
Pollock has made a huge impact in an England shirt, although Borthwick may prefer to unleash him against tiring defenders.
Ben Earl completes the back row at No.8. His carrying ability and mobility offer an excellent balance alongside Chessum and Curry. Starting Pollock instead of Curry could leave the pack looking slightly lightweight.
Six Nations France vs England - FA English Openside Ollie Chessum celebrates scoring a try during the Six Nations rugby match between France and England at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, north of Paris on March 14, 2026. Photo by Firas A
Half-backs: Van Poortvliet, Fin Smith
Provided he is fully fit, Fin Smith should be the clear choice at fly-half.
He is partnered by Jack van Poortvliet, who appears to have moved ahead of Ben Spencer in the pecking order.
With Alex Mitchell injured, the Leicester scrum-half has a real opportunity to establish himself.
Centres: Atkinson, Joseph
In midfield, we predict Borthwick will turn to a strong club partnership in Seb Atkinson and Will Joseph.
The pair have shown they complement each other extremely well and could provide the answer to England's ongoing centre problem.
With plenty of chopping and changing in recent months, having two players who regularly play alongside each other at club level would offer some much-needed consistency.
Back three: Feyi-Waboso, Freeman, Furbank
The selection of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman on the wings should come as little surprise, with both expected to retain their places.
Finally, George Furbank gets the nod at full-back ahead of Marcus Smith. Now teammates at Harlequins, Furbank offers a more natural option in the position.
Rather than continuing to shoehorn players into unfamiliar roles, selecting Furbank at 15 makes sense, while Smith could provide a significant attacking threat off the bench.
RUCK's predicted England XV to face Australia
15 George Furbank
14 Tommy Freeman
13 Will Joseph
12 Seb Atkinson
11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
10 Fin Smith
9 Jack van Poortvliet
1 Ellis Genge
2 Jamie George
3 Joe Heyes
4 Maro Itoje
5 George Martin
6 Ollie Chessum
7 Tom Curry
8 Ben Earl
Select your England XV
Think you could do a better job than Steve Borthwick?
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With injuries mounting and several Gallagher PREM stars pushing for a call-up, who would make your starting XV against Australia?
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