Steve Borthwick has shaken up his England side, making six changes to the starting XV for the final Autumn Nations Series Test against Argentina this Sunday at Allianz Stadium.
Key Returns and Fresh Faces
The most notable inclusion is Elliot Daly, who is set to make his first appearance for club or country since breaking his arm on the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia in June. The 33-year-old Saracens back, cleared by a specialist to return to full training last week, will start on the left wing.
He is joined by Henry Slade, who gets his opportunity at centre following a hamstring injury to Ollie Lawrence. Slade will partner Fraser Dingwall in the midfield. At scrum-half, Ben Spencer takes over from Alex Mitchell.
In the front row, Asher Opoku-Fordjour earns a promotion, replacing Joe Heyes. They are joined by Ellis Genge and Luke Cowan-Dickie, who are both promoted from the bench to start.
Injury Crisis Forces Borthwick's Hand
England's head coach has had his selection decisions partly dictated by an unfortunate injury list. Alongside Lawrence, the unavailability of Tom Roebuck and Tommy Freeman opened the door for Daly's return.
The absence of hooker Jamie George provides a bench opportunity for his Saracens teammate, Theo Dan. Furthermore, Bath's Charlie Ewels returns to the matchday 23, with Chandler Cunningham-South not involved.
Building on All Blacks Victory
England enter this match on the back of a morale-boosting 33-19 victory over New Zealand last weekend. The team is now aiming for its 11th successive Test victory.
Borthwick acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "Last weekend gave us plenty to build on, and now the challenge is to push our performance further. Argentina play with emotion and physicality, and they’ve shown they can beat the best in world rugby this year."
He also paid tribute to the home support, adding, "We have felt exceptional support at Allianz Stadium throughout this series. It provides a real lift for the players, and we hope to create lasting memories for our supporters on Sunday."
England team to face Argentina: Steward; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Dingwall, Daly; Ford, Spencer; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Opoku-Fordjour, Itoje (capt), Coles, Pepper, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements: Dan, Baxter, Stuart, Ewels, Curry, Pollock, Mitchell, M Smith.
