Predicted England team to play USA: Borthwick makes changes
Rugby NewsWednesday, 16 July 2025 at 12:20
Steve Borthwick's side have surprised many with their performances in Argentina, coming away with two wins from the two games played against Los Pumas.
Now that the pressure is off and they’re facing weaker opposition, it could be time to see significant rotation and new faces emerging for debuts.
Here is a predicted 23 for the USA game, ahead of the team announcement at 4pm today:
15. Joe Carpenter
Carpenter would be making his England debut should he take to the field on Saturday, and it would be well deserved after a very strong season for Sale Sharks.
The fullback is extremely consistent and does all the basics needed in his position to a very high level—something that could translate well to Test level.
Freddie Steward has played well, but by now, Steve Borthwick knows what he’s about and could do a lot worse than trying out a new man in the position.
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Back from his suspension, earned after a red card in his first game back from injury, many were skeptical of Feyi-Waboso’s selection into the wider squad given that this is the only game he can actually play.
For that reason, surely he starts—otherwise the selection becomes even more puzzling.
13. Max Ojomoh
It was a surprise to see Luke Northmore get the 13 shirt instead of Ojomoh in the second Test against Los Pumas, but the Harlequin did very well alongside Seb Atkinson.
The USA game provides a chance to see how well Ojomoh and Atkinson work together, given that they could well be squad players in future England sides.
12. Seb Atkinson
Atkinson has stepped up to the demands of Test rugby but still has limited minutes under his belt, so he should start to gain more experience.
The Gloucester centre has huge potential and has already risen up the pecking order with his performances in Argentina.
11. Cadan Murley
He has come off the bench in the opening two games, but now that the pressure is off and there’s more scope for rotation, he’s a good player to start and give more game time.
A very quick winger with an eye for a try, Murley’s playstyle may not directly mirror England’s as much as Will Muir or Tom Roebuck, but he’s a quality option who offers something different out wide.
10. George Ford
One player who shouldn’t be rotated. His importance has been clear in both games against Los Pumas, and he’s been instrumental in elevating the performances of the inexperienced players around him.
9. Jack van Poortvliet
With Ben Spencer not getting any younger, it makes sense to give JvP as much Test experience as possible so he can develop into a solid No.2 behind Alex Mitchell.
The Leicester Tigers scrum-half does the basics to a high standard and brings a sense of calm to those around him—perfect for Test rugby.
1. Bevan Rodd
Fin Baxter and Joe Heyes have been brilliant on tour but deserve a bit of respite. The two Sale props—Rodd and Asher Opoku-Fordjour—have worked well together at club level and can bring that chemistry to the international stage.
Still only 24 and 21, the duo have bright futures. Starting them would be a smart move by Borthwick.
2. Curtis Langdon
Theo Dan didn’t play particularly well last week, leaving Langdon as the next man up.
Both have benefitted from Jamie George’s Lions call-up, and with both lower down the pecking order, giving them game time now makes sense.
3. Asher Opoku-Fordjour
Probably the most exciting tighthead in the country right now, Opoku-Fordjour is different class and should be given a real chance to prove himself at Test level.
A generational talent who contributes across the park—he needs minutes to continue his development.
4. Charlie Ewels
Has been solid so far and brings valuable experience to the front five, which could prove useful against a physical USA pack.
5. Arthur Clark
The young Gloucester lock was in fine form this Premiership season, and an international start here would be the least he deserves.
It will be tough to break into the main squad, but at his age, there’s time to grow into that role.
6. Ben Curry
Like Ford, Curry is too experienced to leave out and has played a crucial role in keeping the back row organised on tour.
7. Guy Pepper
The only back-row change could be Pepper in for Sam Underhill, simply to reward his standout performance off the bench in the second Test.
The Bath youngster is an excellent jackaller and made some sharp carries last week.
8. Tom Willis
Unless Borthwick opts for full rotation, Willis has done more than enough to justify selection again. Arguably England’s player of the tour so far.
Replacements
16. Theo Dan
Shouldn’t be left completely out after a poor showing last week, but should be dropped to the bench. Give him minutes to rebuild confidence against weaker opposition.
Shouldn’t be left completely out after a poor showing last week, but should be dropped to the bench. Give him minutes to rebuild confidence against weaker opposition.
17. Fin Baxter
Deserves to start but also due a rest. Can provide plenty of impact from the bench.
Deserves to start but also due a rest. Can provide plenty of impact from the bench.
18. Joe Heyes
Same as Baxter.
Same as Baxter.
19. Chandler Cunningham-South
Will likely be England’s long-term No.19. Versatile enough to cover second or back row, so it makes sense to continue using him there.
Will likely be England’s long-term No.19. Versatile enough to cover second or back row, so it makes sense to continue using him there.
20. Sam Underhill
Has played well enough to start, but Pepper deserves a chance. Underhill offers reliable impact off the bench.
Has played well enough to start, but Pepper deserves a chance. Underhill offers reliable impact off the bench.
21. Alex Dombrandt
Could start if Borthwick opts for full rotation, but capable of doing a job from the bench.
Could start if Borthwick opts for full rotation, but capable of doing a job from the bench.
22. Ben Spencer
Experience off the bench if needed—an ideal option to close out the match if things get scrappy.
Experience off the bench if needed—an ideal option to close out the match if things get scrappy.
23. Tom Roebuck
Murley has been the 23 shirt so far on tour, but Borthwick may want to continue the tradition of having a winger in that role.
Roebuck has been excellent and offers an aerial threat that could prove useful late in the game.
Murley has been the 23 shirt so far on tour, but Borthwick may want to continue the tradition of having a winger in that role.
Roebuck has been excellent and offers an aerial threat that could prove useful late in the game.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
Loading