Steve Borthwick confident Elliot Daly will remain key for England after 2027 World Cup

Daly makes his first England appearance since fracturing his forearm on the British and Irish Lions tour in July, an injury so severe it required a plate held in place by 16 screws.

His return is one of six changes to the team that beat New Zealand 33-19 last weekend, as England chase an 11th consecutive win and a clean sweep of their autumn fixtures.

For Borthwick, Daly’s recall is rooted in both quality and timing.

“There are two or three components there,” he explained. “The quality of player – he is excellent. Everybody watching him through the early part of the Lions series was thinking about him being in the Test team.

"He’s got such experience playing for England, such experience playing for the Lions. The voice he brings on the pitch is very, very good.”

Crucially, the nature of Daly’s injury meant he could run even while recovering. “Because of the nature of his injury, he’s been able to do lots of running work. I think he is in as good a shape as I have ever seen him. I think he hit very close to his fastest speed ever the other day in training. This guy looks in great condition and is running very well.”

Where some players returning from injury need extended time to absorb contact, Daly’s position has helped fast-track his availability.

“For outside backs, that period of contact conditioning is not as significant,” Borthwick said. “That has clearly made it possible for Elliot to transition back from return to contact last week to playing this week.”

Borthwick is equally clear that Daly’s return is not simply a short-term fix. Asked whether the 33-year-old can continue through to the 2027 World Cup, he did not hesitate.

"Yes, and beyond. He looks fresh, he looks energised, he sounds energised. He can’t wait to go. I’ve no doubt he can go the next couple of years until the World Cup.

"Players who read the game like that, smart rugby players, I always think those players can play even later in their careers.”

Their conversations over the summer also reinforced Daly’s commitment. “I talked about how highly I rate him and how I want him part of this England squad over this next period,” Borthwick said.

“Experience of Test rugby is vital… players who’ve been there, done it, those players are worth their weight in gold, and Elliot’s one of those.”

Daly’s return comes in a week shaped by injury elsewhere, with Tom Roebuck, Ollie Lawrence and Jamie George all ruled out. Henry Slade replaces Lawrence in midfield, another decision Borthwick framed around experience and consistency.

“The attitude he has trained with and what he has given everyone in this squad has been top class,” he said.

A youthful edge remains, notably in 21-year-old prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour, selected ahead of Joe Heyes despite Heyes being fit. But it is Daly’s comeback that brings the strongest sense of stability as England prepare for an Argentina side who overturned a 21-0 deficit to beat Scotland last week and are in good form of their own.