England team to play Japan: Autumn Nations Series
Today at 06:52 AM
Steve Borthwick names his England team to play Japan as they look to end a dismal run of five straight defeats.
The England head coach will confirm his XV at 1:30pm.
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England's Autumn Blues Continue
England's 2024 Autumn Nations Series has been a story of frustration, with Steve Borthwick's side struggling to turn promise into results. Despite strong starts, a worrying trend of late collapses has led to five consecutive defeats, each by single-digit margins.
This marks England's first five-match losing streak since 2018, piling pressure on the coaching setup. Reflecting on the most recent setback against South Africa, Borthwick admitted: "Terribly frustrating."
Opoku-Fordjour Gets His Chance
Excitement surrounds the inclusion of Sale Sharks prop Tim Opoku-Fordjour, who has been named on the bench for England's clash with Japan. A natural tighthead, he is being trialed as a loosehead, a position the coaching team sees as his long-term role.
The 20-year-old was a standout in England's triumphant Under-20 World Championship campaign and could inject fresh energy into a struggling front row.
With Joe Marler retiring and Ellis Genge searching for form, England's propping stocks are stretched. Opoku-Fordjour's emergence offers hope of stability in a key 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?
England team to play Japan: (Expected)
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:
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- 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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