BREAKING: England squad for Autumn Internationals CONFIRMED as Steve Borthwick picks his 36 stars

The squad will gather at the Honda England Rugby Performance Centre in Pennyhill Park on Monday, October 21, before departing for Girona to commence their training.

Borthwick expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Naming this squad is an exciting step in our preparations for the Autumn Nations Series, and we look forward to working with the players again in the days ahead. Our focus is on thorough preparation and building cohesion as we approach what will be a fiercely competitive series.”

The coach emphasized the significance of the opening match against New Zealand, highlighting, “This is a tremendous opportunity for us to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world. Having only played at Allianz Stadium twice in our last 15 games, it will be fantastic to return and play in front of our home crowd. The energy and passion of our supporters always give the players an extra boost.”

England will face New Zealand in their opening match of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series, followed by encounters against Australia, South Africa, and Japan.

Forwards 
Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 2 caps) 
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 23 caps)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 115 caps)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 41 caps)
Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 7 caps)
Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 5 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 53 caps)
Theo Dan (Saracens, 14 caps)
Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints, 2 caps)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 17 caps)
Ben Earl (Saracens, 33 caps)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 31 caps)   
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)
Jamie George (Saracens, 93 caps)
Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 11 caps) 
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 84 caps)
Joe Marler (Harlequins, 95 caps)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 15 caps)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 41 caps)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 38 caps)

Backs
Elliot Daly (Saracens, 69 caps) 
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 6 caps) 
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)
Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 27 caps)
Alex Lozowski (Saracens, 5 caps) 
Luke Northmore (Harlequins, 2 caps) 
Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 7 caps) 
Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 1 cap)  
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 65 caps)
Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints, 2 caps)
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 35 caps)
Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 6 caps) 
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 34 caps)
Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 14 caps)

Rehabilitation: George Ford (Sale Sharks)

Not considered for selection: Alex Coles (Northampton Saints), Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Will Muir (Bath Rugby), Max Ojomoh (Bath Rugby), Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks), Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks).

While some may stay in the Premiership, others could be tempted by lucrative moves abroad. Here’s a closer look at the key players whose futures are in the balance.

Joe Marler, the charismatic Harlequins prop, has confirmed he will continue playing into the 2024/25 season but has also hinted at a retirement date on the horizon. Known for his distinctive personality both on and off the field, Marler is already carving out a post-rugby career through his hit podcast, "The Joe Marler Show."

Interestingly, his future plans don’t involve coaching, with Marler expressing a desire to pursue a media career beyond the sports world. This suggests that rugby fans may soon see him transition into new ventures as he bids farewell to professional rugby.

The electrifying Leicester Tigers winger Anthony Watson could be on the verge of a significant career move. With his contract set to expire after the 2024/25 season, Watson may join other Leicester stars like Julian Montoya and Handré Pollard in seeking new opportunities.

Despite missing the 2023 Rugby World Cup due to injury, Watson’s 55 England caps and his five British & Irish Lions Test appearances make him a hot prospect. If England head coach Steve Borthwick does not call him back into the national squad, a lucrative overseas contract may beckon for the 30-year-old.

Currently topping the Premiership try-scoring charts, Max Malins is a man in demand. The Bristol Bears flyer joined the club from Saracens on a two-year deal in 2023, and his blistering form has continued since.

While Bristol will be eager to retain their try machine, his omission from England's current setup under Borthwick could lead Malins to consider a lucrative move to France. With his contract up next summer, he might decide that a stint in the Top 14 could be the next chapter in his flourishing career.

George Ford, the Sale Sharks playmaker, has found himself at the centre of speculation. Rumours from France suggest that Toulon are keen to lure Ford to the Top 14, while reports indicate that Clermont Auvergne, Bordeaux-Bègles, and Castres have all expressed interest in the England fly-half.

However, Ford has previously rebuffed interest from French clubs, and there are whispers that he may extend his stay with Sale. Only time will tell whether he remains loyal to the North West or makes a big-money move across the Channel.

Sam Simmonds, the dynamic No. 8, could be in for a reunion with his brother, Joe, at French club Pau. With his future at Montpellier uncertain following Billy Vunipola’s arrival, the club may opt not to renew his contract.

Lyon have also entered the race for Simmonds’ signature, keen to bolster their squad with the former Premiership Player of the Season. Whether Simmonds chooses Pau or Lyon, one thing is clear—his talents will be highly sought after next summer.