England's Forgotten Man Set for Stunning Comeback Eight Years On

Monday, 21 April 2025 at 13:38

byRugby Rucker

With a host of England's top names jetting off on British & Irish Lions duty next summer, one long-overlooked star is primed to make a dramatic return—eight years after his last Test cap.

While the Lions head to Australia, England’s own globe-trotting itinerary will see them take on Argentina in a two-Test series, followed by a pit stop in Washington DC for a showdown with the USA.

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Remember Him? Alex Lozowski's Time Has Come (Again)

Enter: —a name you may not have heard in an England lineup since

2017. The versatile Saracens back has been biding his time, and now, finally, opportunity knocks.

Having previously knocked back interest from Italy, Lozowski has kept the red rose in his sights. He was recalled by Steve Borthwick last autumn and again during the 2025 Six Nations, though never saw action. That could all change this summer.

With a Lions-sized void to fill, England are expected to field a much-changed squad—and Lozowski’s experience and versatility make him a prime candidate.

From Chelsea to Saracens – Lozowski's Unusual Journey

Before tearing it up on rugby fields, Lozowski had boots in a different sport altogether. The now-31-year-old was part of Chelsea’s Academy setup before switching to rugby during his school days at Watford Boys Grammar.

While studying at Leeds University, he caught the eye playing for Leeds Carnegie, earning a move to Wasps post-graduation. Just two years later, Saracens came calling—and the rest is history.

He’s since become a key cog in the North London machine, helping Sarries lift three Premiership titles and two European Cups. Oh, and he's played fly-half, centre and fullback. Not bad, eh?

His England Career – So Far...

Lozowski made his England debut on tour in 2017—fittingly, against Argentina in San Juan—where Eddie Jones' side edged a 38-34 thriller. He’d go on to earn five caps that year, including scoring a try in a dominant win over Samoa.

But since then? Silence.

That could all change in 2025.

What Will England’s Squad Look Like?

With many of England's established stars donning red for the Lions, expect a far fresher-looking squad for this summer’s tour. And Lozowski’s recall could be just the start.

Expect uncapped talent, returning veterans, and everything in between—because England’s summer of rugby is shaping up to be anything but predictable.

ENGLAND SUMMER SQUAD 2025

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28 England players on Andy Farrell's 75-man Lions watchlist

British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has confirmed that a 75-player longlist has been assembled ahead of the 2025 tour to Australia. The competition is fierce, with Farrell admitting there’s no shortage of talent vying for a spot.

Looseheads: Genge and Porter Set to Lead the Charge

Ireland’s Andrew Porter remains the front-runner to start in the No. 1 jersey after his impressive performances in recent seasons. Scotland’s Pierre Schoeman offers a powerful scrummaging option, while Wales’ Nicky Smith is a consistent performer. England is well-represented with Ellis Genge, Bevan Rodd, and rising star Fin Baxter pushing for inclusion.

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Hookers: Sheehan and George in Pole Position

Ireland’s Dan Sheehan has been a standout performer and looks a strong contender to start. His Leinster teammate Ronan Kelleher provides excellent cover, while England’s Jamie George and a returning Luke Cowan-Dickie bring plenty of Lions experience. Dewi Lake is Wales’ leading option.

Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)
Jamie George (England)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (England)
Dewi Lake (Wales)

Tightheads: Furlong Leads Strong Contingent

Ireland’s Tadhg Furlong is a near-certainty for the squad, while Finlay Bealham adds versatility. England’s trio of Will Stuart, Joe Heyes, and Kyle Sinckler offer plenty of competition. Scotland’s Zander Fagerson remains a reliable option.

Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
Will Stuart (England)
Joe Heyes (England)
Kyle Sinckler (England)
Zander Fagerson (Scotland)

Locks/Blindsides: Itoje and Beirne Among Favourites

Maro Itoje remains a key figure, with England also supplying George Martin, Ollie Chessum, and veteran Courtney Lawes. Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan provide leadership, while Joe McCarthy and Iain Henderson add depth. Scotland’s Scott Cummings and Grant Gilchrist will compete for spots, while Dafydd Jenkins looks to be Wales’ strongest option.

Maro Itoje (England)
George Martin (England)
Ollie Chessum (England)
Courtney Lawes (England)
David Ribbans (England)
James Ryan (Ireland)
Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
Iain Henderson (Ireland)
Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
Scott Cummings (Scotland)
Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)

Flankers/No. 8s: Doris and Earl Set to Shine

Ireland’s Caelan Doris is a top contender for the No. 8 jersey, while Josh van der Flier and Peter O’Mahony add experience and breakdown prowess. England’s back-row options are loaded, with Tom Curry, Ben Earl, and Jack Willisoffering variety. Scotland’s Rory Darge and Jamie Ritchie are strong candidates, while Wales’ Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright bring dynamism.

Tom Curry (England)
Ben Curry (England)
Ben Earl (England)
Sam Underhill (England)
Henry Pollock (England)
Jack Willis (England)
Tom Willis (England)
Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
Peter O’Mahony (Ireland)
Jack Conan (Ireland)
Rory Darge (Scotland)
Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
Matt Fagerson (Scotland)
Jack Dempsey (Scotland)
Jac Morgan (Wales)
Aaron Wainwright (Wales)

Scrum-Halves: Gibson-Park to Lead the Pack

Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park looks set to retain his spot after an impressive World Cup. England’s Alex Mitchell and Jack van Poortvliet will compete for backup roles, while Scotland’s Ben White and Wales’ Tomos Williams round out the options.

Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
Alex Mitchell (England)
Jack van Poortvliet (England)
Ben White (Scotland)
Tomos Williams (Wales)

Fly-Halves: Farrell and Ford in the Mix, Russell a Wildcard

Owen Farrell’s leadership and experience keep him in contention, but England’s George Ford and Marcus Smith offer contrasting styles. Ireland’s Jack Crowley and rising star Sam Prendergast provide alternatives, while Scotland’s Finn Russell remains a game-changer.

Sam Prendergast (Ireland)
Jack Crowley (Ireland)
Owen Farrell (England)
Marcus Smith (England)
Fin Smith (England)
George Ford (England)
Finn Russell (Scotland)
Tom Jordan (Scotland)

Centres: Aki and Ringrose Set to Star

Ireland’s midfield pairing of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose looks set to continue, with Robbie Henshaw and Jamie Osborne adding depth. Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones bring attacking flair to the mix.

Bundee Aki (Ireland)
Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
Jamie Osborne (Ireland)
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
Huw Jones (Scotland)

Back Three: Lowe and Keenan Lead the Line

Ireland’s back three trio of James Lowe, Hugo Keenan, and Mack Hansen remain front-runners. Scotland’s Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe provide proven finishing power. England’s Elliot Daly and youngsters Tommy Freeman, Ollie Sleightholme, and Tom Roebuck are pushing for spots.