"Debut incoming" – Leaked England team to play Japan suggests changes
Today at 03:10 AM
20-year-old Asher Opoku-Fordjour is poised to make his England debut this Sunday as Steve Borthwick takes a bold step in grooming the next generation of front-row warriors.
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“A Tough Autumn for England”
England's 2024 Autumn Nations Series has been a bruising affair, with the team enduring a string of narrow defeats. The pattern? Strong starts undone by late collapses. All five losses in their current streak have come by single-digit margins, a worrying stat for Borthwick's side.
Their five-match losing streak marks the first such run since 2018. After the latest heartbreak against South Africa, Borthwick summed up the mood perfectly: "Terribly frustrating."
“Opoku-Fordjour Steps In”
The Sale Sharks tighthead, named among the replacements for the Japan clash, is being trialed as a loosehead—where England see his long-term future. A standout from England's Under-20 World Championship-winning team, Opoku-Fordjour could bring some much-needed energy to a struggling pack.
With Joe Marler retiring at the start of the campaign and Ellis Genge's form dipping, England's propping depth has taken a hit. Enter Opoku-Fordjour, who could be key to plugging the gaps in a pivotal position.
“Feyi-Waboso Still Sidelined”
Fans hoping to see World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year nominee Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will have to wait a little longer. The exciting back is still recovering from a head injury sustained against Australia earlier in the series.
“Match Details: England vs Japan”
- Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024
- Kick-off: 4:10pm GMT (1:10am Monday in Japan)
- Venue: Allianz Stadium Twickenham, South-West London
This is the final game of England's Autumn Nations Series, following close defeats to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Will Opoku-Fordjour's debut mark a turning point for Borthwick's men?
Expected England team to play Japan:
Back Three
15. George Furbank (Northampton Saints)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
11. Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints)
Centres
12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
13. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)
Halfbacks
9. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
Front Row
- Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
- Jamie George (Saracens)
- Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
Locks
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens)
5. George Martin (Leicester Tigers)
Back Row
6. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby)*
8. Ben Earl (Saracens)
Replacements
16. Theo Dan (Saracens)
17. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby)
19. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens)
20. Ted Hill (Bath Rugby)*
21. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)
22. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
EDITORS PICKS:
- Andy Farrell's Ireland replacement is former British & Irish Lion with famous wife
- Here's Who the 2003 World Cup Legends Are Now Settling Down With
- Eddie Jones' dream team of players coaches is world class from 1-15
- Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?
- Statement: Six Nations make 'final decision' on South Africa joining tournament
QUIZ: Can You Name Every British & Irish Lions captain since 2001?
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