Nations Championship: Steve Borthwick names England squad with Alex Mitchell ruled out
England head coach Steve Borthwick has named a 36-player squad for the upcoming Nations Championship; Alex Mitchell is not included after suffering an injury over the weekend; Fin Smith included in the squad despite missing training camp
England are set to face Australia at Allianz Stadium on November 8 in round four.
The squad, comprising 20 forwards and 16 backs, assembles at England's performance centre at Pennyhill Park on November 2.
Alex Mitchell is not in the squad after the scrum-half was forced off during Northampton's 28-14 win against Gloucester on Saturday.
Mitchell had to come off with just 21 minutes played due to a hamstring injury, walking down the Franklin's Gardens tunnel to be replaced by 20-year-old Jonny Weimann. An injury update is expected in due course.
Scrum halves Ben Spencer and Harry Randall are in the squad in Mitchell's absence.
Despite missing England's three-day training camp ahead of the series, Fin Smith is included in the squad.
"We're looking forward to getting back to Allianz Stadium for four important Test matches against top-level opposition," said Borthwick.
"These fixtures take on added significance this Autumn as they represent our final opportunity to face Southern Hemisphere opposition before next year's Rugby World Cup.
"Facing Australia next Sunday is an exciting challenge. They have played a significant amount of Test rugby in recent months, and we know the quality and experience they will bring."
Following the Australia fixture, England will face Japan and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in rounds five and six, before Finals Weekend from Friday 27 to Sunday November 29.
2026 Nations Championship November fixtures and July results
Friday November 6 Ireland vs Argentina (8.10pm)
Saturday November 7 Italy vs South Africa (11.40am) Scotland vs New Zealand (2.10pm) Wales vs Japan (4.40pm) France vs Fiji (8.10pm)
Sunday November 8 England vs Australia (3.10pm)
Friday November 13 France vs South Africa (8.10pm)
Saturday November 14 Italy vs Argentina (11.40am) Wales vs New Zealand (2.10pm) England vs Japan (4.40pm) Ireland vs Fiji (8.10pm)
Sunday November 15 Scotland vs Australia (3.10pm)
Saturday November 21 England vs New Zealand (2.10pm) Scotland vs Japan (2.10pm) Ireland vs South Africa (4.40pm) Italy vs Fiji (4.40pm) France vs Argentina (8.10pm) Wales vs Australia (8.10pm)
November 27 Sixth-place North vs Sixth-place South, Third-place North vs Third-place South
November 28 Fifth-place North vs Fifth-place South, Second-place North vs Second-place South
November 29 Fourth-place North vs Fourth-place South, First-place North vs First-place South
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