England's Autumn Campaign Hit by Injury Crisis
England's final autumn international against Argentina has been significantly complicated after three key players were ruled out through injury. The bruising 33-19 victory over New Zealand came at a heavy cost, with Jamie George, Ollie Lawrence, and Tom Roebuck all sustaining injuries that will keep them out of Sunday's climax at Allianz Stadium.
Specific Injuries and Their Impact
Head coach Steve Borthwick confirmed the triple blow on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Hooker George and centre Lawrence are both nursing hamstring issues, while wing Roebuck has developed a foot problem. All three injuries were sustained during the physical encounter with the All Blacks.
The situation is further compounded by the continued absence of lock Ollie Chessum and wing Tommy Freeman, who were already ruled out with foot and hamstring damage respectively. This significant reduction in selection options comes as England aim to secure their 11th successive victory.
Borthwick's Selection Dilemmas and Solutions
In response to the mounting injury list, Borthwick has drafted teenage sensation Noah Caluori into the training squad as wing cover. The forwards have been bolstered by the addition of hooker Jamie Blamire and lock Charlie Ewels.
There was positive news regarding full-back Freddie Steward, who departed early in the New Zealand game following a mouthguard alert indicating possible concussion. Despite failing the initial head injury assessment, Steward passed the decisive second and third tests and has been cleared to play on Sunday.
George's absence presents Theo Dan with his first opportunity to feature this autumn, with Luke Cowan-Dickie expected to start as frontline hooker. Losing Lawrence is particularly disappointing given his blockbusting performance against New Zealand, but England do have elite cover in the returning Elliot Daly, who has recovered from a broken forearm.
The wing position vacated by Roebuck is set to be contested between Henry Arundell and Cadan Murley, with the Argentina clash appearing too soon for 19-year-old Caluori to make his Test debut. Borthwick is expected to name his team on Friday, though an earlier announcement on Wednesday remains possible.
