Injury Cloud Over England's Triumphant Camp
England's rugby union team is facing a significant selection headache ahead of their final autumn international against Argentina this Sunday. The squad is sweating on the fitness of key centre Ollie Lawrence, who limped off during the closing stages of the impressive victory over the All Blacks this past Saturday.
Lawrence was a standout performer in what was a statement win for Steve Borthwick's side, but his potential absence for the Pumas match would be a major blow. The 26-year-old will be assessed when the England squad reconvenes on Tuesday after an extra day's rest.
Double Injury Blow for Borthwick
The concern over Lawrence is compounded by a second potential absence. Full-back Freddie Steward was withdrawn midway through the first half against New Zealand due to a head injury, placing his availability for the weekend in serious doubt.
These injury worries cast a shadow over England's pursuit of an 11th successive victory and a clean sweep of their autumn fixtures. Losing two of their most influential backs would test the squad's depth considerably.
Lawrence's Form and Potential Replacements
Before his untimely exit, Ollie Lawrence was in scintillating form against the All Blacks. He scored England's opening try and later provided the assist for his centre partner, Fraser Dingwall, in the second half. His powerful ball-carrying was a feature of England's attacking play.
His recent return to prominence is all the more remarkable given he missed the British & Irish Lions tour last summer with a long-term achilles injury. He battled back ahead of schedule and has impressed in the victories over Fiji and New Zealand after being omitted for the Australia match earlier in the month.
If Lawrence is ruled out, Steve Borthwick has several options, though each presents a different tactical challenge. Elliot Daly is fit again and is a contender for the No. 13 jersey, but he does not offer the same direct, gain-line threat as Lawrence. Daly could also be an option at full-back if Steward is unavailable.
Other possibilities in the centres include Max Ojomoh, while Borthwick could even consider a more radical reshuffle, potentially starting back-rowers Ben Earl or Henry Pollock in the back-line. The absence of Tommy Freeman, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, removes another versatile option.
England's final test comes against an Argentina side that showed their class with a victory over Scotland on Sunday, making the potential loss of Lawrence and Steward even more significant as Borthwick plots an 11th consecutive win.
