England head coach Steve Borthwick has unveiled his squad for the upcoming 2026 Guinness Six Nations Championship, introducing three uncapped players into the fold. The announcement comes as the national team prepares to build on an impressive 11-match winning streak.
Fresh Faces Bolster England's Options
Bath prop Vilikesa Sela, Northampton Saints loosehead Emmanuel Iyogun, and Exeter Chiefs number eight Greg Fisilau have all received their first senior call-ups. Their inclusion provides crucial depth in key positions, with injuries creating opportunities for new talent to shine on the international stage.
Injury Updates Shape Selection
The squad composition has been influenced by several fitness concerns. Tighthead prop Will Stuart and rising star Asher Opoku-Fordjour are both sidelined, opening the door for Sela to potentially make his debut. Iyogun's selection follows a foot injury to Fin Baxter, who is expected to miss the opening round of the tournament.
In the back row, Fisilau has earned his recall through consistently strong performances for Exeter, demonstrating the competitive nature of Borthwick's selection process. Meanwhile, George Furbank retains his place despite an injury-disrupted season, with the Northampton captain aiming to add to his cap tally for the first time since 2024.
Midfield Competition and Rehabilitation Group
The centre positions appear particularly competitive, with five players vying for starting roles. Ollie Lawrence is included in a separate rehabilitation group as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, alongside Fin Smith (calf), Ben Curry, and wing Tom Roebuck. All are anticipated to feature at some point during the championship.
Notable absentees due to injury include lock George Martin, with Arthur Clark returning to provide second-row options. The overall selection reflects a settled squad building on recent successes, with Borthwick emphasizing the importance of preparation for the challenges ahead.
Borthwick's Vision for the Tournament
"We've picked a squad with a good balance of experience, leadership and exciting potential," stated Borthwick. "The margins in the Guinness Six Nations are incredibly fine so our aim over the coming days is to come together quickly, prepare thoroughly, and make sure we're ready to perform."
The coach added: "If we prepare well and keep demanding the highest levels from one another, it puts us in the strongest possible position when the Championship begins."
Preparation and Opening Fixture
The 36-player squad, along with the rehabilitation group, will assemble in Girona next week for a pre-tournament training camp. England begin their Six Nations campaign against Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday 7 February, aiming to extend their winning run in what promises to be a fiercely contested championship.
England's 36-Player Training Squad
Props: Ellis Genge, Emmanuel Iyogun, Bevan Rodd, Joe Heyes, Vilikesa Sela, Trevor Davison.
Hookers: Jamie George, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Theo Dan.
Locks: Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum, Alex Coles, Arthur Clark.
Back rows: Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Greg Fisilau, Henry Pollock, Sam Underhill.
Scrum halves: Ben Spencer, Alex Mitchell, Jack van Poortvliet.
Fly halves: George Ford, Marcus Smith.
Centres: Fraser Dingwall, Seb Atkinson, Max Ojomoh, Henry Slade.
Back three: Elliot Daly, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Cadan Murley, Freddie Steward.
Rehab group: Ollie Lawrence, Fin Baxter, Fin Smith, Ben Curry, Tom Roebuck.
Not considered for selection: Oscar Beard, Charlie Ewels, Curtis Langdon, George Martin, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Adam Radwan, Will Stuart.
