England’s Autumn Rugby Face-Off: George Ford Leads Against Australia

In the opening bout of their autumn internationals, England's rugby team will see George Ford start at flyhalf against Australia, with Fin Smith on the bench, leaving no room for Marcus Smith. The Northampton-centric backline welcomes Alex Mitchell as scrumhalf, accompanied by Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman, both of whom have showcased their prowess in prior matches, forming a strong centre pairing.

Coach Steve Borthwick, presenting his squad ahead of schedule, includes promising talents like Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tom Roebuck on the wing, complemented by Freddie Steward at fullback. However, the selection misses out on potential players like 19-year-old Noah Caluori and dynamic centres Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence, pointing towards strategic choices aimed at future tournaments.

England’s pack will feature Bath's flankers Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill, with Saracens’ Ben Earl at number eight. Key substitutes include Sale hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, on the brink of his 50th cap, and Tom Curry, returning post-surgery. With sights set on securing high FIFA World Cup seeding, England will also clash against Fiji, New Zealand, and Argentina in the coming matches, building on their recent seven-game winning streak.