With almost exactly a year remaining until the Rugby World Cup in Australia, England is looking to develop into a genuine contender. Head coach Steve Borthwick has already provided a strong indication of his core squad by issuing 25 enhanced EPS contracts.
England's performance cycle has been mixed, including a 12-match winning streak last year followed by a challenging Six Nations. However, the extended preparation time for World Cups, coupled with significant resources and a large player pool, often sees England perform at their best.
While player form and injuries are expected to fluctuate, Borthwick is understood to have a clear idea of the bulk of his squad. A projected 33-man squad includes Jamie George, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Kepu Tuipulotu at hooker, and Ellis Genge, Joe Heyes, Fin Baxter, Will Stuart, and Asher Opoku-Fordjour in the props.
The locks are projected to include Maro Itoje, George Martin, Alex Coles, Ollie Chessum, and Charlie Ewels. The back row features Ben Earl, Guy Pepper, Henry Pollock, Tom Curry, Greg Fisilau, and Chandler Cunningham-South. Alex Mitchell, Jack van Poortvliet, and Archie McParland are projected as scrum halves, with Fin Smith, George Ford, and Marcus Smith as fly halves.
Seb Atkinson, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, and Henry Slade are projected in the centres, while the back three includes Tommy Freeman, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Furbank, Noah Caluori, and Elliot Daly.