England’s autumn campaign could open the door for several familiar faces to return to the international fold.
Whether it is players making their way back from France, rediscovering their best form or simply hitting their peak at the right time, there are plenty of contenders pushing for selection.
Here are five players who could force their way back into England’s plans this autumn.
1 Mako Vunipola
With Bevan Rodd ruled out for 8-12 weeks, an opportunity could open up for Mako Vunipola to return to the England set-up.
The Sale Sharks prop has endured a difficult year with injuries, undergoing three surgeries over the past 13 months.
Despite his struggles, he was still involved in England's Six Nations campaign earlier this year.
Now back in England after leaving France to join Leicester Tigers, Vunipola could provide a short-term solution while Rodd recovers.
At 35, he may not be a long-term option, but few players can match his experience.
Vunipola has won 79 England caps and nine for the British and Irish Lions, making him an obvious candidate if Borthwick needs an experienced replacement.
2 Christian Wade
This would certainly be an outside choice, but Wade's form makes him difficult to ignore completely.
The winger is now just four tries away from breaking Chris Ashton's Gallagher PREM record after scoring twice against reigning champions Northampton Saints on the opening weekend.
Scoring a brace against such a strong side underlined that Wade still possesses his remarkable ability to find the try line, a quality that remains hugely valuable in the modern game.
The 35-year-old has just one England cap and has never been given an extended opportunity at Test level, with various moves overseas also making him ineligible for selection.
Having been selected for the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour, Wade could represent an intriguing wildcard option for Steve Borthwick.
3 Courtney Lawes
A much more realistic option for Borthwick could be Courtney Lawes, who has returned to England after joining Sale Sharks.
Now 37, the experienced forward still brings the physicality, ball skills and leadership qualities that helped him win more than 100 England caps and feature in five Lions Tests.
If England are looking for experience, Lawes certainly fits the profile.
The former England captain has already declared that he is "officially unretiring from international duty" after signing for Sale.
Lawes was part of England's Six Nations Grand Slam-winning squad in 2016 and went on to win the championship twice more, in 2017 and 2020.
4 Henry Arundell
Still only 23, Henry Arundell appears to have fallen out of favour with England following a couple of difficult performances, but the winger deserves another opportunity to show what he can offer.
Arundell was one of Bath's standout players last season, scoring 18 tries for the club. However, after being sent off against Scotland and then struggling in the following match against Ireland, he has not featured for England.
The wing remains one of the most competitive positions in the squad, but Arundell's pace and finishing ability mean there could still be an opportunity for him to force his way back into Borthwick's plans.
5 Joe Marchant
The second new Sale signing on the list, Joe Marchant is also back in contention for England after his spell with Stade Francais.
The 28-cap centre has another factor working in his favour. Marchant is Welsh-qualified, meaning he could potentially switch allegiance to Wales if he chose to do so.
Capping him again would prevent a rival nation from calling upon an experienced and versatile player.
His ability and international experience also make him an interesting option for Borthwick.
The former Harlequins star is only 30 and could offer another solution to England's ongoing search for their strongest centre partnership.
