England’s World Cup squad is starting to take shape, but there are still plenty of places up for grabs.
Several fringe players made their case with standout performances in the PREM during Round Two, giving Steve Borthwick plenty to think about.
With the World Cup now less than a year away, here are five England hopefuls who may have caught the head coach’s eye this weekend.
1 Arthur Clark
Gloucester’s dominant defensive display against Harlequins highlighted the qualities Arthur Clark could bring to England, with the second row playing a key role in keeping their opponents scoreless.
Strong in the tackle and athletic around the field, the 24-year-old has steadily worked his way towards the international picture.
He trained with England A in February 2024 before starting in their victory over Australia A later that year.
An injury to Alex Coles earned Clark a senior squad call-up ahead of the 2025 Six Nations, but a fractured bone on the final day of training ended his hopes of featuring in the tournament.
He eventually made his England debut against the USA in July 2025.
Clark has plenty of potential, although competition is fierce. Maro Itoje, George Martin, Coles and Ollie Chessum are all ahead of him, meaning injuries or a dip in form elsewhere may be needed to open the door. Consistent performances for Gloucester could yet put him back in contention.
2 Nathan Jibulu
Nathan Jibulu made himself difficult to ignore with a Player of the Match performance in Sale Sharks’ impressive 21-17 away win over Saracens.
Promoted to the starting XV for the trip to StoneX Stadium, the hooker delivered the sort of physical, high-energy display that has made him an exciting prospect.
His work around the pitch was outstanding, while his lineout throwing showed encouraging signs of improvement.
That final area has previously held Jibulu back, with consistency at the set piece essential for anyone hoping to establish themselves at international level.
Sale boss Alex Sanderson has spoken about the work being done to address the issue, and this latest performance suggested progress is being made.
With Luke Cowan-Dickie and Jamie George among the established England options, Jibulu still has work to do. However, the battle for the third hooker position ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup remains open.
If he can maintain this form and become more reliable at the lineout, he could force his way into the conversation.
3 Harry Randall
England’s scrum-half situation remains an interesting one, and Harry Randall is giving Steve Borthwick another reason to consider his options.
The Bristol Bears number nine was influential again in his side’s clash with Northampton Saints, using his sharp service and speed around the breakdown to keep the attack moving.
Few scrum-halves are more dangerous when matches become loose, and Randall’s style suits Bristol’s high-tempo approach.
International experience is already on his side. He made his England debut against the United States in July 2021, scoring a try and earning Player of the Match honours.
He has since featured in the Six Nations and remained involved in the wider international picture, including England A.
Ben Spencer has yet to fully establish himself at Test level, Alex Mitchell has dealt with injury problems, and questions remain over Jack van Poortvliet.
Randall has 14 England appearances to his name and could offer a useful alternative if he keeps performing.
His pace and attacking instincts give him a different dimension, although he will need to convince Borthwick that his overall game is suited to the demands of Test rugby.
4 Will Joseph
A seven-try Gloucester demolition of Harlequins provided another reminder of Will Joseph’s attacking potential, with the centre getting on the scoresheet during a 48-point unanswered performance.
Powerful in contact and blessed with impressive athleticism, Joseph has the tools to become a major force in the PREM.
Once regarded as one of English rugby’s brightest young talents, however, he is still looking to turn that promise into sustained performances at the highest level.
The younger brother of England international Jonathan Joseph, he progressed through the age-grade system before making his senior England debut against Australia in July 2022.
He was also included in Steve Borthwick’s initial training group ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, although he did not make the final squad.
At 24, there is still plenty of time for Joseph to fulfil his potential. His latest display suggests Gloucester could provide the platform he needs to kick on.
If he continues to combine his physical qualities with consistent attacking contributions, an England recall may become increasingly difficult to overlook.
5 Charlie Atkinson
Two rounds into the new season, Charlie Atkinson is already making a compelling case for greater recognition.
The Gloucester fly-half was central to his side’s emphatic 48-0 victory over Harlequins, controlling the game well and adding his name to the scoresheet.
Having also impressed in the opening round, Atkinson has now featured in both of RUCK’s Team of the Week selections, underlining the strength of his start.
His international progression has been steady. After helping England’s Under-20s win the 2021 Six Nations Grand Slam, he went on to feature for England A and train with the senior squad.
His first senior cap arrived in July 2025, when he came off the bench in a 40-5 win over the USA.
Fin Smith and Marcus Smith currently look well placed in England’s fly-half pecking order, but the next spot is less straightforward.
George Ford brings experience and leadership, although his recent form has raised questions.
If Atkinson continues to perform at this level, Borthwick may have to consider whether the Gloucester playmaker offers a better long-term option. Sustaining this form over the coming weeks will be crucial to his chances.
