England will be without scrum-half Alex Mitchell for next month’s Autumn Nations Series, but there is optimism that George Ford could play a part.
Mitchell will miss the Tests against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan at Twickenham due to neck injury and he was left out of the 36-man squad named by Steve Borthwick on Wednesday morning.
Fly-half Ford was also not part of the 36, but he will be in camp with the squad and undergoing rehabilitation from a groin injury.
England are travelling to Girona next week for a training camp and then they kick off their Autumn campaign against New Zealand on November 2.
Mitchell is one of eight players not considered for selection due to injury, which includes his Northampton Saints team-mate Fraser Dingwall.
England have been boosted, however, by the fact fellow centre Henry Slade has been named in the squad despite suffering with a shoulder injury this season.
The absence of Mitchell is a big blow for England as the scrum-half has started seven of England’s eight Tests this year.
Borthwick has named three scrum-halves in his place, with Ben Spencer, Jack van Poortvliet and Harry Randall all getting called up.
“Naming this squad is an exciting step in our preparations for the Autumn Nations Series, and we look forward to working with the players again in the days ahead,” said Borthwick.
“Our focus is on thorough preparation and building cohesion as we approach what will be a fiercely competitive series.
“Facing New Zealand in the opening match is a tremendous opportunity for us to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.
“Having only played at Allianz Stadium twice in our last 15 games, it will be fantastic to return and play in front of our home crowd. The energy and passion of our supporters always give the players an extra boost.”
