Steve Borthwick’s latest England training squad, announced ahead of the Nations Championship, is stirring real debate. The head coach added 13 names to a core group, but the omissions and inclusions tell a deeper story about who’s trending up and who’s losing ground. With the Premiership final still to shake things up, this is a snapshot of where the Red Rose stands right now — and it’s not where many expected.
Winners: The Long-Awaited Calls
Max Ojomoh finally gets a look. The Bath center has been stuck in limbo since a man-of-the-match showing against Argentina last November, but Borthwick kept him on ice. Now, with just three centers in the squad for Friday’s clash with France A, Ojomoh has a real chance to force his way into the conversation. If he plays well, the head coach will have some serious thinking to do.
Jamie Blamire and Theo Dan have pushed their way back into the picture. Luke Cowan-Dickie is still injured, and Curtis Langdon might get a boost from the Premiership final, but Blamire has been outstanding for Leicester — a key factor in their run to the semifinals. Dan has also recovered form after a dip, and both are now in the mix for the No. 2 jersey.
Alex Dombrandt keeps his place despite competition from Henry Pollock and Greg Fisilau. Dombrandt offers a different look at No. 8 — bigger, more physical — while others rely on mobility and footwork. It’s a tactical choice, and for now, he’s got the nod.
Ted Hill is another player who’s been unfairly overlooked. He’s in the same boat as Ojomoh — long overdue for a shot. Friday’s game is his chance to prove he belongs in the final touring party for July’s matches against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina.
One intriguing name is Archie van der Flier, cousin of Ireland star Josh. Borthwick moved quickly to cap him for England in February with the A team, and after strong form for Leicester, he’s now in the full squad. He could tour this summer.
George Kloska survived the cut despite the return of Joe Heyes and Vilikesa Sela. With Trevor Davison injured and no Saints or Exeter players expected next week, Kloska has a real shot at a tour spot.
Young wing Noah Caluori is being kept around even though the right-wing depth chart is packed — Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are also in that slot. It might be a surprise if he plays against the Springboks, but Borthwick clearly sees potential.
Losers: The Notable Omissions
Alfie Barbeary has been outstanding for Bath this season, offering the kind of ball-carrying power at No. 8 that England usually craves. But Borthwick has never fully embraced him, and Dombrandt got the spot instead. It’s a tough break for a player who has shown he can deliver at club level.
The biggest name missing is Ben Spencer. Rumors suggest he’s being rested ahead of a major 2026/27 campaign, which would mean the coaching staff has given him assurances he’s locked into the 23 next year. But that’s a gamble — other scrum-halves will get chances in the Nations Championship, and young talent is rising fast.
Kepu Tuipulotu had a strong season for Bath, but Borthwick apparently thinks he’s not ready for Test rugby yet. That could change post-2027, but for now, the 25-year-old must wait.
Ollie Lawrence has gone from a guaranteed starter to not even in the wider squad. His form with Bath has slipped since the start of the year, and that decline has been stark.
Henry Arundell and Ollie Hassell-Collins are casualties of depth on the left wing. Arundell’s aerial game and defense have been questioned, while Hassell-Collins hasn’t featured for England since 2023 despite strong Leicester form.
Billy Searle deserved a look based on form, but England are stacked at fly-half with George Ford, Marcus Smith, and Fin Smith coming after the Premiership final. Borthwick instead went with Charlie Atkinson, who has been in the system longer.
Five players were dropped from the previous 26-man squad: front-rowers Will Hobson, Nathan Jibulu, and Afolabi Fasogbon, plus backs Tobias Elliott and Ben Redshaw.
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