England face Fiji in their second fixture of the inaugural Nations Championship this weekend, desperate to end a dismal run of form under Steve Borthwick. After a heavy 45-21 defeat to South Africa in Johannesburg, England are on a five-match losing streak and under mounting pressure.
Match Details: Fiji vs England
The match takes place on Saturday, July 11, with kick-off at 2:10pm BST (1:10am Sunday in Fiji). Despite being a 'home' game for Fiji, it is being held at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, home of Everton FC, due to Fiji's national stadium in Suva not meeting requirements and for commercial reasons.
How to Watch
TV channel: Live and free-to-air on ITV1, coverage from 1:20pm BST. Live stream: Available on ITVX website and app (free with registration). Standard Sport will also run a live blog.
Team News and Debuts
Steve Borthwick has made two changes to the starting XV that lost to South Africa. Tommy Freeman moves back to wing, Henry Slade starts at outside centre alongside Seb Atkinson, and Guy Pepper replaces Tom Curry at openside flanker. On the bench, three players are poised for their first senior England caps: Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol Bears), Noah Caluori (Saracens), and George Kloska (Bristol Bears). Van Rensburg, a former South Africa U20 international, became eligible on residency grounds after five years in England.
Marcus Smith continues at full-back after George Furbank's appendicitis, with Jack van Poortvliet at scrum-half and Fin Smith at fly-half. The front row features Ellis Genge, captain Jamie George, and Joe Heyes, with Alex Coles and George Martin at lock. Ollie Chessum, Guy Pepper, and Ben Earl form the back row.
Fiji coach Senirusi Seruvakula makes nine changes from the side beaten 39-24 by Wales. Levani Botia and Peceli Yato earn first starts in years, joining Lekima Tagitagivalu in a new back row. Caleb Muntz starts at fly-half, partnering Simione Kuruvoli. Kalaveti Ravouvou replaces the injured Semi Radradra at centre.
Head-to-Head Record
England have won nine of ten previous meetings. Fiji's only win came in a 2023 World Cup warm-up match at Twickenham (30-22). England won the most recent encounter 38-18 in November 2025.
Prediction and Odds
England are heavy favourites despite their recent form. Fiji's inconsistency—brilliant attack but weak set-piece—should play into England's hands. Predicted score: England win by 14 points. Odds: Fiji 8/1, England 1/14, Draw 50/1.
