Kyle Sinckler has received a seven-week ban for making contact with the eyes, which effectively rules him out of England’s autumn series.
So who should start for Eddie Jones’ men? Will he stick with Dan Cole, or will he twist with one of the younger options at his disposal?
Dan Cole
Harry Williams
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When Cole and Sinckler were away on Lions duty during the summer, it was Exeter prop who made the No 3 jersey his own on England’s two-Test tour of Argentina with two standout performances. Eddie Jones estimated that he lost “12 or 13kg” over the course of last season and was hugely impressed by his work ethic in Argentina.
Kieran Brookes
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The fact that he plays for Northampton Saints and packs down regularly with England captain Dylan Hartley is already an advantage. He was a regular two years ago, but a mi of injuries and lack of game time has seen him move down the pecking order. The powerhouse will need to get back to his destructive best to get back into an England shirt.
Will Collier
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His technique and body position in the scrum has been described by Eddie Jones as the “best in the Premiership outside of Dan Cole”. The England chief has also decribed the 26-year-old as one of the players with the potential to break into his squad come the 2019 World Cup in Japan.