Roebuck in for Furbank as England face back-three juggle

New Delhi, India Jul 6, 2026 ALN: Sale wing Tom Roebuck has been drafted into the England squad as head coach Steve Borthwick juggles back-three options amid a raft of injuries.

Roebuck replaces Northampton full-back George Furbank, who withdrew from the starting line-up for Saturday's 45-21 defeat by South Africa with appendicitis. This change comes at a critical time for the England team, which has been struggling to find form and consistency in recent matches. The loss against South Africa, a team known for its physicality and tactical prowess, has raised questions about the current squad's depth and resilience.

England have lost their past five Tests, with a 48-7 thrashing of Wales in February their only victory of 2026. This dismal record has led to increasing scrutiny of Borthwick's coaching strategies and player selections. The team's inability to secure wins has intensified the pressure on the coaching staff, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup in Australia next year. The RFU has publicly backed Borthwick, but the expectation for immediate improvement is palpable as fans and analysts alike express concern about the team's trajectory.

Anything short of victory over Fiji at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool on Saturday would heap pressure on Borthwick, despite recent backing from his Football (RFU) bosses to take the team to next year's World Cup in Australia. The match against Fiji is not just a test of skill but also a crucial moment for team morale. With the World Cup approaching, every game becomes increasingly significant as teams seek to build momentum and confidence.

England have two significant injury concerns for their first game in the north-west since 2015. Wing Cadan Murley, who started the defeat by the Springboks, and Freddie Steward, the squad's only specialist full-back after Furbank's illness, are suffering with shoulder and ankle knocks respectively. These injuries have forced Borthwick to rethink his strategy and player combinations, as the back-three is a pivotal area of the team that relies heavily on speed, agility, and aerial ability.

Tommy Freeman, who was at outside centre in Johannesburg, could revert to his more accustomed wing slot, or fill in at full-back, where Marcus Smith started last weekend. Freeman's versatility adds an extra layer of complexity to the selection process, as Borthwick must weigh the benefits of having a more experienced player in a critical position against the need to maintain a balanced and effective back line.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is likely to start on one wing, leaving Roebuck and Saracens' teenage prodigy Noah Caluori to compete for the other berth if Murley fails to recover and Freeman is deployed elsewhere. The competition for spots within the squad is fierce, with players eager to prove their worth and secure their place in the lineup. Both Roebuck and Caluori bring unique skills to the table, and their performance in training and during the match will be closely monitored by the coaching staff.

Roebuck and Caluori are both strong in the air, an area Borthwick highlighted for improvement after double-reigning world champions South Africa disrupted and dominated contestable kicks. The ability to contest aerial balls effectively is crucial in modern , where kick and chase strategies are increasingly common. Borthwick's acknowledgment of this weakness indicates a strategic shift aimed at enhancing England's performance in this vital area.

"They won seven kicks back and we won a couple back," Borthwick said. "That's a big discrepancy at this level and clearly one of the big deciding factors because that gave them field position and put pressure on the team." This statement underscores the importance of winning the aerial battle and the need for players to adapt and improve their skills in this aspect of the game.

Bristol's South African-born centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg comes into contention for his first Test cap, having completed five years' residency and been the subject of a successful appeal by the RFU over his eligibility. Janse van Rensburg's inclusion reflects England's ongoing efforts to diversify their player pool and capitalize on the talents of players who may have previously been overlooked. His potential debut could also serve as a morale boost for the squad, showcasing the RFU's commitment to developing homegrown talent and integrating diverse backgrounds into the national team.

Fiji v England

Nations Championship

Saturday 11 July, 14:10 BST kick-off

Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool

The match against Fiji is expected to be a challenging encounter, as Fiji is known for its dynamic playing style and physical approach. Historically, matches between England and Fiji have been closely contested, with both teams demonstrating flair and tenacity. For England, a victory would not only provide a much-needed boost to their confidence but also serve as a crucial step in their preparation for the World Cup. It is essential for the team to establish a winning mentality and build cohesion among the players, especially as they navigate through injury challenges and tactical adjustments.

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, the importance of this match cannot be overstated. The outcome will likely influence not only the immediate future of the team but also the long-term strategy as they aim to reclaim their status among the elite nations. Borthwick's decisions in the lead-up to this game, including player selections and tactical adjustments, will be critical in shaping the team's performance and overall trajectory as they prepare for the global stage.

In the context of the ongoing challenges faced by the England team, the current phase represents a pivotal moment. The recent losses have not only affected the players' confidence but have also raised concerns among fans and stakeholders about the direction in which the team is heading. The pressure to perform is magnified by the looming World Cup, where expectations are high, and the competition is fierce. England, historically one of the strongest teams in , finds itself at a crossroads, needing to harness its resources effectively to rebuild and re-establish itself as a formidable force.

The incorporation of players like Roebuck and Janse van Rensburg highlights the RFU's commitment to exploring new talent and adapting to the evolving landscape of international . This strategy is essential not only for immediate success but also for the long-term health of the national team. Building a squad that can compete at the highest level requires not just skill and experience but also a depth of talent that can withstand the pressures of international competition.

Moreover, the dynamics within the squad are crucial as Borthwick navigates the challenges posed by injuries and player form. The ability to foster a competitive yet supportive environment will be key to maximizing the potential of the players available. As the team prepares for the match against Fiji, the focus will be on establishing a cohesive game plan that leverages the strengths of the available players while addressing the weaknesses that have been exposed in recent performances.

Ultimately, the match against Fiji will serve as a litmus test for England's readiness for the World Cup. It will be an opportunity for the players to demonstrate their resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. The coaching staff, led by Borthwick, will be keenly observing how the players respond under pressure, as this will be indicative of the team's character and potential moving forward.

As the world watches closely, the implications of this match extend beyond the immediate outcome. The performance of the England team against Fiji will set the tone for the upcoming World Cup preparations and may influence the selection and tactical decisions leading into the tournament. For the players, it is a chance to stake their claim for a place in the World Cup squad, while for the coaching staff, it is an opportunity to assess the viability of their game plans and strategies in a competitive environment.

In conclusion, as England gears up for this crucial encounter, the stakes are high. The combination of injuries, recent poor performances, and the looming World Cup creates a perfect storm of pressure and opportunity. The decisions made by Borthwick and his coaching team in the lead-up to the match will be critical, not just for the game against Fiji, but for the future trajectory of English as they aim to reclaim their status among the elite nations on the global stage.