England Predicted Team Japan: Borthwick Weighs Changes
Steve Borthwick is considering changes to England’s side for Saturday’s Nations Championship Test against Japan at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. Injuries to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and George Furbank are likely to reshape the backline, while Max Ojomoh and Fraser Dingwall are options at center.
England coach Steve Borthwick is weighing changes for Saturday’s Nations Championship Test against Japan at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with injuries expected to reshape the backline. The england predicted team Japan picture includes Marcus Smith as a possible stand-in fullback and a decision between Max Ojomoh and Fraser Dingwall at center.
Borthwick said he was considering squad depth after England’s win over Australia, while hoping to preserve continuity in some positions. “There’s a little bit around depth,” he told media.
He said 10 players were at home and pointed to several options returning to contention, including Fin Baxter, Will Stuart, Ben, George Furbank and Maro. Borthwick said he was waiting on medical information before making decisions.
Injuries force backline changes
George Furbank, Tom Curry and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are among the players unavailable after injuries. Seb Atkinson and Ollie Chessum are also undergoing rehabilitation for knocks sustained against Australia, while Harry Randall has been omitted.
Furbank’s absence could see Smith move to fullback again. The report said Smith’s playmaking could offer a similar contribution to Furbank’s, though the change would leave England with decisions elsewhere in the backline.
Feyi-Waboso’s injury leaves England without a wing option for the rest of the campaign. Cadan Murley is viewed as a leading candidate to come into the side, while Joe Marchant and Will Joseph could also cover the position. Noah Caluori and Tobias Elliott are among the newcomers in the extended squad.
Ojomoh and Dingwall in contention
At center, Borthwick identified Ojomoh and Fraser Dingwall as options for the No. 12 shirt. “I describe Fraser as a glue player,” he said, praising Dingwall’s all-round skills and ability to improve the players around him.
Borthwick said Ojomoh’s strengths include “attacking distribution and ability to see space.” The choice could shape how England use their attack, with Dingwall offering an all-round option and Ojomoh bringing a more direct attacking threat through midfield.
England’s expanded training group also includes Max Hicks, Jack Kenningham and Archie McParland. Hicks, Kenningham, Caluori, Elliott and Ojomoh played in England A’s win over Argentina XV last weekend, while McParland has returned from injury.
Borthwick said he hoped to keep continuity in selected positions while assessing the medical report ahead of the Japan Test.
