Steve Borthwick is expected to ring the changes as England prepare to face Japan at Allianz Stadium this weekend.
After three consecutive autumn defeats to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa—extending their losing streak to five matches—England are under pressure to turn things around.
Historically, England have dominated Japan, winning all five previous encounters, including a commanding 52-17 victory in Tokyo earlier this year.
Here’s a look at the line-up that could take on Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms.
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Predicted England XV:
15 George Furbank
Returning to full-back, Furbank’s creativity could thrive in a faster game, making up for his underused talent this autumn.
14 Tom Roebuck
Sale’s Roebuck brings pace, power, and Premiership form. A first start beckons after promising cameos against Japan and South Africa.
13 Tommy Freeman
Freeman moves to outside centre. His attacking threat and adaptability impressed against the Springboks, offering a fresh midfield option.
12 Ollie Lawrence
Back at inside centre, Lawrence’s crash-ball ability suits Borthwick’s plan, despite natural tendencies as an outside centre.
11 Ollie Sleightholme
Busy and sharp, Sleightholme’s speed and eye for space will be crucial against Japan’s quick, expansive style.
10 Marcus Smith
Smith, England’s standout player, continues pulling the strings. Fast-paced games like Japan’s perfectly suit his playmaking brilliance.
9 Harry Randall
Randall’s high-speed style and sniping threat around the breakdown align perfectly with Japan’s frenetic approach.
8 Ben Earl
Earl retains his spot, combining powerful carries with broken-field brilliance. He’s England’s go-to dynamic forward.
7 Sam Underhill
Defensive juggernaut, Underhill’s relentless tackles and physicality proved indispensable against the Springboks.
6 Chandler Cunningham-South
Impressive defensively and offensively, Cunningham-South’s physicality and skillset promise another strong outing.
5 Nick Isiekwe
Replacing George Martin, Isiekwe’s defensive reliability and familiarity with Itoje create a stronger second-row partnership.
4 Maro Itoje
Itoje’s leadership and set-piece dominance are essential. England rely on his ability to disrupt opposition.
3 Will Stuart
Stuart solidified the tighthead spot with strong November performances. Reliable in the scrum and breakdown.
2 Jamie George
The skipper excels in set-pieces and leadership. Vital for cohesion and driving standards.
1 Fin Baxter
Baxter offers youthful energy and technical promise. Time to reward his form after Genge’s underwhelming autumn.
Rugby Quiz:
You have five minutes to name every club to have played in the Gallagher Premiership, all 28 of them, since the division was established back in 1987.
It’s more difficult than it sounds.
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