Slade back as Borthwick names touring squad

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Alex Mitchell and George Ford were the notable injury absentees from Steve Borthwick's 36-man England squad named on Wednesday for November games against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan.

Flyhalf Ford is expected to join the squad as soon as he recovers from a thigh strain.

Scrumhalf Mitchell has not played all season due to a neck injury and is unlikely to take any part in the series.

Henry Slade, who has been out of action since undergoing shoulder surgery, was also included along with Alex Lozowski, who last donned the England jersey six years ago but has been in great form for Saracens.

England narrowly lost both tests in New Zealand this year and meet them again in the first match on Nov. 2.

The squad - which is made up of 20 forwards and 16 backs - will assemble at the England Performance Centre on Monday, October 21 before flying to Girona to begin their training.

“Naming this squad is an exciting step in our preparations for the 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 Twickenham 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.”

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Following the Test match against New Zealand, England face Australia, South Africa and Japan.

England’s 36-player squad:

Forwards

Fin Baxter

Ollie Chessum

Dan Cole

Luke Cowan-Dickie

Chandler Cunningham-South

Ben Curry

Tom Curry

Theo Dan

Trevor Davison

Alex Dombrandt

Ben Earl

Charlie Ewels

Ellis Genge

Jamie George

Nick Isiekwe

Maro Itoje

Joe Marler

George Martin

Will Stuart

Sam Underhill

Backs

Elliot Daly

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

Tommy Freeman

George Furbank

Ollie Lawrence

Alex Lozowski

Luke Northmore

Harry Randall

Tom Roebuck

Henry Slade

Ollie Sleightholme

Fin Smith

Marcus Smith

Ben Spencer

Freddie Steward

Jack van Poortvliet

Rehabilitation: George Ford

*Players not considered for selection: Alex Coles, Joe Cokanasiga, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell, Will Muir, Max Ojomoh, Raffi Quirke, Bevan Rodd