England team to play Argentina: Four debutant straight in

England are set for a challenging two weeks up against Felipe Contepomi's side, before Borthwick and the squad fly up to North America for an exciting stand-alone fixture. To further the growth of rugby union out in the United States, England will take on the USA Eagles for a match in Washington DC. It's certainly shaping up to be quite the Summer for England, with an array of exciting uncapped talents hoping to experience their first Test match in the red rose.

In this article, we are predicting the match day squad that Borthwick will pick for the opening clash of the tour, when England take on Argentina on Saturday, July 5th in La Plata. Whilst plenty of the best laid plans can be disrupted with untimely injuries - just look at Immanuel Iyogun's late drop out from the tour, we have once again gazed into the crystal ball to see what Borthwick could have in store.

As Steve Borthwick prepares to kick off England’s 2025 Summer Tour against Argentina, all eyes will be on a fresh-look back three, brimming with promise and potential. At full-back, Sale Sharks star Joe Carpenter has been tipped to start in the No.15 jersey. The 22-year-old has been a standout performer in the Premiership, combining sharp attacking instincts with a rock-solid defensive presence. His selection would signal Borthwick’s growing faith in youth and Carpenter’s readiness to step up on the international stage.

On the right wing, Cadan Murley is expected to finally get his chance to shine after injury setbacks curtailed his opening run in the England squad. After repeated England camps, Murley finally got his Test debut in the 2025 Six Nations match against Ireland, yet suffered an injury in the process. This cut short his maiden run, with this tour presenting the ideal stage for Murley, to prove that he belongs in England’s long-term plans and make a strong case for a permanent spot in the side.

We can see Borthwick holding back on Henry Arundell for the first Test, as the newly minted Bath wing gets back up to the Test level. Also, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's red card against the France XV could well rule him out of the opening Test against Argentina.

Opposite Murley, another Sale standout gets the nod: Tom Roebuck. The winger has been a model of consistency, regularly delivering for his club with a blend of finishing prowess and defensive tenacity. Roebuck’s work ethic and nose for the try-line make him an ideal fit in Borthwick’s system, and he’ll be eager to carry his club form back into the Test arena. Roebuck made his Test debut in the 2024 Summer tour of Japan, before adding further appearances in the Autumn and bagging a try against Wales in the closing match of the 2025 Six Nations.

In midfield, Steve Borthwick is likely to pair experience with emerging talent, opting for a combination that blends composure and physicality. Henry Slade is our pick to wear the No.13 jersey, bringing a wealth of Test experience and tactical intelligence. The Exeter Chiefs stalwart remains one of England’s most reliable midfield generals, with a superb kicking game, defensive nous, and an eye for space. Slade's calm leadership and ability to direct traffic in the backline will be pivotal in anchoring the centre partnership.

Partnering him at inside centre is Seb Atkinson, whose rapid rise at Gloucester Rugby has caught the attention of selectors. Atkinson is a powerful carrier and a rock in defence, offering the kind of no-nonsense presence England have often lacked at 12 in recent years. This tour provides him with the perfect platform to test himself at international level, and a strong showing against Argentina could mark the beginning of a long Test career. Having proved his qualities in the uncapped England XV match against a France XV, Atkinson could now roll this form into a fully-fledged cap.

There's plenty of excitement around Max Ojomoh, as the powerhouse midfielder is on a hot run of form having just won the Premiership. We've listed the centre on the bench for the upcoming tour, with an impact player role potentially in store against Los Pumas.

At fly-half, George Ford is poised to reach a significant milestone as he lines up for what would be his 100th Test cap. The veteran playmaker remains central to England’s tactical framework, with his pinpoint kicking, sharp game management, and cool-headed leadership continuing to set the standard.

With England fly halves Fin Smith and Marcus Smith away on Lions duties, Ford has stepped up to once again hold down the 10 jersey with his trusted talents. His ability to dictate the tempo and orchestrate territory will be vital against a physical Argentina side looking to disrupt England’s rhythm.

Next to Ford, Ben Spencer is expected to get the nod at scrum-half after a superb treble-winning season as Bath captain. The experienced No.9 has been in exceptional form, combining snappy distribution with smart decision-making and vocal leadership. His inclusion marks a reward for consistency and resilience, and his link play with Ford will be crucial in providing quick, clean ball to England’s potent backline. A Summer tour of Tests would be the perfect way for the halfback to cap off an unforgettable campaign.

Jack van Poortvleit returns to the England set-up having spent some time away with the Lions, however, the scrum half will not head out to Australia just yet. JVP was called up as injury cover for Jamison Gibson-Park, for the brief training camp in Dublin ahead of the opening match against Argentina.

Steve Borthwick looks set to blend youthful energy with seasoned experience in the front row for England’s opening clash against Argentina. At loosehead, Fin Baxter is primed to make a major statement as a starter, having played second fiddle to Lions call-up Ellis Genge throughout the latest Six Nations. The 23-year-old Harlequins prop first turned heads on the Tets match stage last Summer in New Zealand, with powerful scrummaging and impressive mobility around the field.

At hooker, Jamie George brings world-class experience and composure. The former England captain continues to be a vital presence, offering leadership on and off the field. His pinpoint lineout throwing and tireless work rate make him an irreplaceable figure , especially in high-pressure environments like a tour opener against the Pumas. George could have rightly felt hard done by to miss out on the Lions, having also just spent a solid week of training with Andy Farrell's squad up in Dublin.

Completing the trio is Joe Heyes, who has quietly become one of the Premiership's most reliable tightheads. A consistent force for Leicester Tigers, Heyes combines raw power in the scrum with an underrated ability to get through the hard graft. His presence adds stability to the set-piece and balance to England’s forward pack. Now with Dan Cole retired, Heyes would want to stamp his authority upon England's three jersey, just as he will do for Leicester in the coming season.

Elsewhere in the England camp, the front row option of Asher Opoku-Fordjour brings a unique versatility across both the loose and tight-heads. Also, spare a thought for Immanuel Iyogun, as the Saints man suffered a calf injury just a matter of days before the England squad heads out to Argentina. Young Gloucester prop Afolabi Fasogbon comes in for Iyogun, with plenty of hype around the former U20s prop.

In the engine room, England have been throughly thinned out by the Lions and injury issues. With captain Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum down in Australia, and George Martin on the mend from a knee and shoulder double-whammy, Nick Isiekwe could likley start in the row against Los Pumas. The Saracens lock has been in outstanding form, in what was an underwhelming season for the Londoners. Isiekwe's ability to cover ground and contribute across the park adds a modern, dynamic edge to England’s tight five.

Partnering him is rising star Arthur Clark, whose rapid ascent through Gloucester’s ranks has earned him a deserved spot in our predicted starting XV. Known for his unrelenting physicality and relentless work at the breakdown, Clark offers the kind of grit and aggression Borthwick values in his pack. Clark has an 'old-school' edginess to his work around the park, reminiscent of a young Martin Johnson or even Steve Borthwick. If handed his first Test start, the 22-year-old will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact on the international stage and cement himself as a key figure for the future.

On the bench we've opted for Alex Coles, yet Charlie Ewels has also made the plane over to Argentina. There is no doubt ample opportunity for the more 'fringe' England locks to make a real statement this Summer, whilst newcomer Clark will be out to leapfrog them all to a returning spot for the Autumn Series.

England’s back row is one of the more exciting areas to investigate, with plenty of combinations in store to unleash upon Argentina. At blindside flanker, we've opted for Ted Hill, as the Bath man brings a unique blend of size and speed. Comfortable covering both lock and back row, Hill’s versatility makes him a valuable asset, whilst having the engine that is much to the envy of many an outside back. His tackling efficiency and ability to carry in wide channels add a dynamic dimension to England’s loose forward trio.

On the openside, Ben Curry is the standout choice. A relentless presence at the breakdown, Curry’s knack for winning turnovers and disrupting opposition ball has made him a standout for Sale Sharks, whom he leads as the club captain. Curry has been improving his leadership qualities as a key member of a rather inexperienced England training camp, whilst the Lions stars are away from Pennyhill Park. Andy Farrell is expected to keep an eye on Curry, should he be called up to re-unite with his twin brother Tom, as injury cover for the Lions out in Australia.

Anchoring the scrum at No.8 is Tom Willis, whose form for Saracens has put him firmly in contention. The door is open for Willis, with both Ben Earl and Tom Curry away with the Lions, with a nailed down eight-man the order of the day for Borthwick. Willis impressed with an appearance in every Six Nations match, and most recently packed down the scrum in the uncapped England XV fixture. It's a safe bet to assume Willis will start against Los Pumas, yet Alex Dombrandt will be breathing down his neck throughout the tour across the Americas.

16. Theo Dan (Saracens)
17. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks)
18. Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints)
19. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints)
20. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby)
21. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)
22. Max Ojomoh (Bath Rugby)
23. Henry Arundell (Bath Rugby)