Head coach Steve Borthwick has brought centre Henry Slade back into the starting lineup for Saturday’s crucial game against Fiji. This move comes as England looks to snap a five-game losing streak, with Slade making his first international appearance since being left out of the Six Nations earlier this year. The 33-year-old enters the match following a strong club season that saw him guide Exeter to the Premiership final.
Slade’s inclusion forces a tactical shift, moving Tommy Freeman back to his natural wing position. Additionally, Guy Pepper will start at openside flanker in place of Tom Curry. The bench features three players set for their first caps: Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Noah Caluori, and George Kloska.
England Starting XV: M Smith, Freeman, Slade, Atkinson, Feyi-Waboso, F Smith, van Poortvliet, Genge, George, Heyes, Coles, Martin, Chessum, Pepper, Earl.
Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Opoku-Fordjour, Kloska, Curry, Pollock, Mitchell, Janse van Rensburg, Caluori.
