Rugby: Borthwick Faces Key Selection Questions as World Cup Looms

England head coach Steve Borthwick faces crucial selection decisions as preparations intensify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with the November internationals offering a vital opportunity to assess his squad ahead of next year’s tournament in Australia.

With less than a year remaining before the World Cup, England have only nine competitive matches left before the competition begins. Their immediate focus is the inaugural Nations Championship, which resumes in November with Tests against Australia, Japan and New Zealand.

Borthwick has named a 36-man training squad for the three fixtures, recalling centre Joe Marchant and rewarding Will Joseph for his impressive performances for Gloucester. Uncapped scrum-half Archie McParland and hooker Kepu Tuipulotu have also earned places in the squad.

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However, the selection has raised questions about whether Borthwick is prioritising current form or relying on established players and existing combinations as he builds towards the World Cup.

Former England wing Chris Ashton questioned the emphasis on form in the selection process, arguing that the squad reflected Borthwick’s preference for experience and familiarity.

“If we look at this training squad, it’s not picked on form, is it?” Ashton said on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.

“Will Joseph is picked on form, but the vast majority is not. It is based on the experience and relationships [Borthwick] has with the players, and that is why Marchant is in there.”

Several established players, including Fin Baxter, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jamie George, Will Stuart, George Furbank and Ben Curry, have struggled for regular minutes or consistent form this season. Nevertheless, their international experience could prove valuable as England prepare for a demanding autumn schedule.

Ashton suggested that pressure to deliver results had limited Borthwick’s willingness to make significant changes.

“Part of the problem right now is that Steve feels he is under pressure to get results, so it is too late to make big changes,” he said.

Injuries have added another layer of uncertainty to England’s preparations. Centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg is unavailable, while Seb Atkinson and winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are undergoing rehabilitation. Fly-half Fin Smith is also expected to miss part of the training period with a calf problem, although the injury is not considered serious. Charlie Atkinson has been called up as cover.

The midfield remains one of Borthwick’s biggest selection dilemmas, with Atkinson, Henry Slade, Marchant and Joseph competing for places.

Atkinson and Slade started England’s most recent Test, a significant victory over Argentina in July, and could feature together against Australia on November 8. However, Marchant and Joseph are also pushing for opportunities, with their versatility potentially strengthening their World Cup prospects.

Former England centre Ugo Monye believes Marchant and Joseph are competing directly for the outside-centre position.

“Marchant and Will Joseph are in a bit of a shoot-out,” Monye said, highlighting their ability to cover other positions as an advantage when selecting a World Cup squad.

He also called for bold decisions, pointing to Joseph’s form and suggesting that the young centre could be ready for a bigger role.

England’s forward selection appears more settled, provided key players remain fit. Ellis Genge, George, Cowan-Dickie, Joe Heyes, Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Alex Coles, captain Maro Itoje, George Martin, Ben Earl, Tom Curry and Henry Pollock are among those expected to feature prominently.

However, the limited time available for training will make continuity particularly important. The players will return to their clubs after the initial camp before reassembling ahead of the opening Test against Australia.

England enter the autumn campaign under pressure after an inconsistent 2026, having recorded three victories from eight matches so far. That record contrasts with the confidence surrounding the team during their winning run a year earlier.

The November Tests therefore represent more than an opportunity to improve results. They will also help Borthwick determine which players can deliver under pressure, which combinations deserve further investment and where changes may be necessary before the World Cup.

With Australia, Japan and New Zealand awaiting, England need a strong autumn campaign to rebuild momentum and give their World Cup preparations a firmer foundation.