Steve Borthwick has three players pushing to return against New Zealand. I'd bring all three straight back into my starting XV, although one selection call is particularly tight.
Ollie Chessum, George Furbank and Seb Atkinson all featured against Australia before injuries ruled them out of England's 78-15 demolition of Japan.
All three could return on Saturday.
Speaking after the Japan victory, Borthwick offered an encouraging update.
"Progressing well," he said.
"They all ran yesterday [Friday] on an individual basis to the levels they can. We're still hopeful that they'll be able to be in contention for selection next week."
That's welcome news. Borthwick still has a few selection headaches, but at least he's picking from a full toolbox rather than rummaging through the spare parts drawer.
Chessum and Atkinson would come straight back into my side, while Furbank just edges Freddie Steward in a close call at full-back.
And I'd make a couple of other changes that might raise a few eyebrows.
Chessum at six, Fisilau at eight
I'd bring Chessum back at blindside, where he started against Australia.
George Martin would partner Maro Itoje in the second row, giving England some serious muscle against the All Blacks.
My bigger gamble would be moving Ben Earl to openside and starting Greg Fisilau at No.8.
The Exeter youngster's powerful carrying could give England something different at the back of the scrum.
He's earned an opportunity. Why not against the All Blacks?
JVP has earned his shirt
Alex Mitchell's hamstring surgery could keep him out for four months, potentially ruling him out of most of the 2027 Six Nations.
But Jack van Poortvliet impressed against Australia and deserves another start.
England legend Ben Youngs agrees.
"It's Van Poortvliet's shirt to lose now," he said.
Youngs knows a thing or two about playing nine, having won 127 England caps.
I'd also restore Fin Smith at fly-half if fit.
George Ford has plenty of experience, but his kicking against Japan wasn't exactly one for the family scrapbook.
Atkinson returns, Joseph keeps his place
I'd bring Seb Atkinson back alongside Henry Slade in midfield.
Will Joseph simply has to keep his place on the wing after scoring five tries against Japan.
Five tries in one afternoon should make that selection fairly straightforward.
Tommy Freeman starts on the opposite wing.
The toughest call comes at full-back.
I'd just about give George Furbank the nod over Freddie Steward.
Steward has done little wrong, and his aerial ability could prove particularly useful against New Zealand.
But Furbank offers England another playmaking option, linking with the midfield and creating space out wide.
There's very little between them.
For me, Furbank's attacking threat just tips the balance.
Read also
My England XV vs New Zealand
- Ellis Genge
- Jamie George
- Joe Heyes
- Maro Itoje (c)
- George Martin
- Ollie Chessum
- Ben Earl
- Greg Fisilau
- Jack van Poortvliet
- Fin Smith
- Will Joseph
- Seb Atkinson
- Henry Slade
- Tommy Freeman
- George Furbank
The verdict: England put 78 points on Japan. Lovely.
But beating the wounded All Blacks is an entirely different proposition.
This is the team I'd trust to do it.













