Centre Henry Slade has been recalled to the England starting XV for the pivotal match against Fiji on Saturday. Head coach Steve Borthwick is looking to halt a run of five consecutive Test defeats.
Slade, 33, who did not feature in any matches during this year's Six Nations, expressed frustration at being outside the team's midfield plans. He concluded the domestic season in strong form, captaining Exeter to the Premiership final. His inclusion sees Tommy Freeman of Northampton moved to his more familiar wing position, ending a year-long experiment at outside centre.
Guy Pepper will start at openside flanker, replacing Tom Curry. Additionally, three uncapped players—Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Noah Caluori, and George Kloska—are set to make their international debuts from the bench.
The England team for the match is: M Smith; Freeman, Slade, Atkinson, Feyi-Waboso; F Smith, van Poortvliet; Genge, George, Heyes, Coles, Martin, Chessum, Pepper, Earl. The replacements are: Cowan-Dickie, Opoku-Fordjour, Kloska, Curry, Pollock, Mitchell, Janse van Rensburg, Caluori.