Steve Borthwick set to call up FOUR uncapped players this summer

The Three Lions will face the Pumas in La Plata (5 July) and San Juan (12 July), before wrapping things up at Audi Field— a 20,000-seater home to D.C. United — against a United States side they’ve never lost to in nine attempts. Their last encounter? A lively 43-29 win in 2021.

So, who’s knocking on the door of international honours? These four uncapped names should be top of Borthwick’s watchlist.

Position: Wing
Club: Harlequins
Age: 26

Back at The Stoop and back to his box-office best, Gabriel Ibitoye is playing with swagger. After globe-trotting stints in France (Montpellier, Agen) and even Israel (Tel Aviv Heat), the former England U20s star is making defenders look silly in the Premiership again.

Ibitoye has racked up 6 tries in 13 league appearances this season, but it’s not just about the stats — it’s the style. His sidestep is filthier than a student kitchen, and he’s developed a solid defensive game to boot.

Steve Borthwick wants spark? Here’s a man who once made a try-saving tackle and scored at the other end in the same 90 seconds. Get him in.

Position: Centre
Club: Bath
Age: 24

He’s been in and around the England camp, but Max Ojomoh still hasn't had his cap moment — and it’s getting criminal now. Son of ex-England flanker Steve Ojomoh, Max has been one of Bath's brightest attacking threats this season.

Recently returned from injury, he grabbed 2 tries against Gloucester and looked sharp doing it. With slick footwork, a strong fend, and a rugby IQ to match, he’s a player who can make the 13 jersey his own — especially if paired with a punchier 12 like Seb Atkinson.

If Borthwick’s looking to evolve his midfield beyond the Manu/Ollie axis, this is his guy.

Position: Loosehead Prop
Club: Gloucester
Age: 20

Remember the name. Afolabi Fasogbon might only be 20, but he’s built like a veteran and scrummages like one too. Formerly of London Irish’s fabled academy, the 6ft 2in, 125kg powerhouse has made an instant impact at Kingsholm.

In the 2023 U20 Six Nations, Fasogbon was England’s top ball-carrying forward, and his mobility around the park is freakish for a man of his size. He's also clocked a top speed of 9.1 m/s — faster than some back-rowers.

Front-row depth is always a priority, and this kid’s ceiling is sky-high. Get him involved now, let him marinate over the next three years, and England could have their next Mako.

Position: Inside Centre
Club: Gloucester
Age: 22

You don’t often see inside centres put professional fly-halves on skates, but Seb Atkinson did just that with a destructive carry over Harry Byrne last week. Sure, he scored a hat-trick against Bristol, but it was his line-breaking ability and sheer physical dominance that stole the show.

Standing 6ft 2in and weighing 100kg, Atkinson plays like a wrecking ball with hands. His partnership with Chris Harris at Gloucester has blossomed, and George Skivington has already tipped him to Borthwick.

He’s made 62 carries in his last 6 games, breaking the gainline 70% of the time. In short: England don’t have another 12 quite like him.

From the early days of professionalism to the modern era, England has seen a host of legendary captains wearing the armband.

Whether it's the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.

Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let's see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!