Full Breakdown
England Name 36-Man Squad for Nations Championship Camp
9/8/2026, 8:54:53 AM
Squad Composition and Key Returns
England head coach Steve Borthwick announced a 36-man group that blends seasoned internationals with emerging talent. The most prominent return is Maro Itoje, the Saracens second-row captain, who re-joins after a summer off international duty. Front-row reinforcements include Fin Baxter (Harlequins) and Will Stuart, both back after long injury layoffs, while Ellis Genge remains with Bristol Bears to rebuild fitness. In the back row, Chandler Cunningham-South and Exeter Chiefs number eight Greg Fisilau are added, alongside a mix of loose-forward options such as Tom Curry, Ben Earl, and Sam Underhill. The hooker department features Luke Cowan-Dickie, Theo Dan, and the promising Kepu Tuipulotu. Among backs, the midfield retains Seb Atkinson, Elliot Daly, and Henry Slade, while the wing and full-back positions see competition between Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Cadan Murley, George Furbank, and Freddie Steward.
Training Camp Schedule and First Test
The squad assembled on Sunday, September 6 and will train at England’s Performance Centre in Pennyhill Park until Tuesday, September 8. This three-day camp serves as preparation for the Northern-hemisphere leg of the Nations Championship, which opens with England hosting the Wallabies at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Sunday, November 8.
Notable Omissions and Selection Rationale
Veterans Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant were not selected. According to Borthwick, the decision reflects a desire to see both players demonstrate form in the Gallagher Premiership before re-consideration for future squads. Their recent moves to French clubs Brive and Stade Français, respectively, had paused their England careers.
Injury Updates and Rehabilitation
Several squad members continue rehabilitation: fly-half Alex Mitchell (hamstring) and scrum-half Ben Spencer (shoulder) remain with their clubs, while Max Ojomoh (calf) and Noah Clauori (wrist) are unavailable. Tom Roebuck is engaged with Sale on the camp’s opening day, precluding his participation.
Implications for the Nations Championship
The announced roster provides England with depth across the forward pack and a blend of experience and youth in the backs. The inclusion of returning players and promising newcomers suggests a strategy aimed at balancing immediate competitiveness with longer-term squad development as the team approaches the Wallabies test and subsequent fixtures against Japan and New Zealand.
