Steve Borthwick’s latest England squad announcement has once again ignited debate amongst England fans.
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While the inclusion of fit-again Bath powerhouse Ollie Lawrence drew plenty of headlines, it was the absentees that truly set tongues wagging.
England fans have grown accustomed to a constant churn of selection talking points under Borthwick, with injuries, form, and even club eligibility reshaping the picture at every camp.
England's 36-player squad
Forwards
Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Jamie Blamire (Leicester), Ollie Chessum (Leicester), Alex Coles (Northampton), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale), Ben Earl (Saracens), Charlie Ewels (Bath), Ellis Genge (Bristol), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester), Ted Hill (Bath), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale), Guy Pepper (Bath), Henry Pollock (Northampton), Bevan Rodd (Sale), Sam Underhill (Bath), Tom Willis (Saracens).
Backs
Seb Atkinson (Gloucester), Oscar Beard (Harlequins), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton), George Ford (Sale), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), George Furbank (Northampton), Ollie Lawrence (Bath), Alex Mitchell (Northampton), Will Muir (Bath), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Tom Roebuck (Sale), Henry Slade (Exeter), Fin Smith (Northampton), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Ben Spencer (Bath), Freddie Steward (Leicester), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester).
Here are the five most shocking omissions from Borthwick’s latest England squad, and the current story behind each one.
1. Owen Farrell – Still England’s biggest headline
Owen Farrell has captained his country more than 60 times and sits among England’s greatest ever points scorers. His absence continues to feel seismic.
- The 33-year-old stepped away from England duty after the 2023 World Cup to protect his mental wellbeing.
- He then stunned the rugby world by signing with Racing 92, which made him ineligible under RFU rules requiring England players to be based in the Premiership.
- In June, Farrell confirmed a sensational return to Saracens on a two-year deal — instantly making him selectable again.
For now, Borthwick is holding firm without him, preferring to persist with Marcus Smith, George Ford, and Fin Smith in the playmaker pecking order. But with Farrell declaring he is “not retired” from Test rugby, his omission remains a constant headline.
Few players in world rugby can match his experience, leadership, and kicking accuracy — making this the most eye-catching call of all.
2. Alex Dombrandt – The Harlequins skipper left waiting
Alex Dombrandt has long been touted as England’s heir apparent at number eight, with his blend of carrying power, line-out nous, and soft hands. But despite his consistency for Harlequins, he remains on the fringes.
- The 27-year-old signed a long-term contract extension with Quins earlier this year, underlining his value at club level.
- He featured in the 2024 Six Nations but was rotated out for key matches, with Borthwick preferring the likes of Ben Earl and Tom Curry when available.
Dombrandt continues to do everything right in club colours, captaining Quins and producing game-changing performances in the Premiership and Champions Cup. Yet for now, England’s crowded back-row depth chart means he’s left out again.
Many fans have seemed unsure if he can become an international regular, and it seems Borthwick may have the same doubts.
3. Max Ojomoh – The rising Bath star
Bath’s 23-year-old centre Max Ojomoh is widely seen as part of the next generation of England midfielders, alongside the likes of Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade, Joe Marchant, and Fraser Dingwall. His latest omission is less shocking than Farrell or Dombrandt’s, but still a frustration for those who see him as ready to make the leap.
- Ojomoh signed a new long-term deal with Bath in January, tying him to the Rec until 2027.
- He was drafted into England’s Six Nations squad as injury cover earlier this year but remains uncapped.
With England midfield combinations far from settled, Ojomoh’s ability to play both 12 and 13 should keep him firmly on Borthwick’s radar.
Expect him to feature in England camps sooner rather than later — his time feels inevitable.
4. Harry Randall – The unlucky scrum-half
Speed, spark, and sharp service — Harry Randall offers something different at scrum-half. But just as Harry Randall remains one of England’s most dynamic scrum-halves, capable of quick sniping runs and sharp distribution. He even showed it most recently against the USA in July, scoring a try in England’s 40–5 victory in Washington.
- The 26-year-old has recovered from a shoulder injury earlier in the year and has been back to full fitness for club and international duty.
- Despite his performance against the USA, Borthwick opted for other scrum-halves for this autumn squad, including Jack van Poortvliet and Alex Mitchell.
Randall’s omission is therefore less about fitness and more about the fierce competition at nine in England. When on form, he is one of the Premiership’s most explosive scrum-halves, and he remains a strong contender for future Test squads.
5. Adam Radwan – The forgotten flyer
Few players can thrill like Adam Radwan. The Newcastle Falcons winger is one of the fastest men in world rugby and a deadly finisher on his day. Yet he continues to be overlooked at international level.
- Radwan has just one England cap, scoring a hat-trick on debut against Canada back in 2021.
- Despite his blistering speed, he has struggled to convince selectors that his defensive and aerial game are Test-ready.
With Freddie Steward, Henry Arundell, and Tommy Freeman emerging as Borthwick’s preferred back-three options, Radwan has once again been left on the outside looking in. It’s a frustrating situation for fans who believe his pace is a game-changer England sorely lack.
