London: England head coach Steve Borthwick has expressed his intent to keep Immanuel Feyi-Waboso in his plans for the upcoming summer despite the wing's suspension from the two-Test series against Argentina. Feyi-Waboso has been included in a 36-player squad but is only eligible for selection in a one-off Test against the United States on 19 July.
According to BBC, Borthwick emphasized the importance of having players with unique abilities in the team. "I want players who have that X-factor in an England shirt," he stated on Rugby Union Weekly. Borthwick also acknowledged the hard work Feyi-Waboso has put into his recovery from injury, noting his excellent condition even though the player missed the Six Nations and is currently suspended. Borthwick sees this period as an opportunity to work closely with Feyi-Waboso.
In the absence of Feyi-Waboso for the Argentine matches, Bath's Will Muir, Sale's Tom Roebuck, and Harlequins' Cadan Murley are the other specialist wings named in the squad. Meanwhile, Northampton's George Furbank will remain at home to recover from a calf issue, with Freddie Steward and Joe Carpenter included in his stead. Ben Curry and Harry Randall, who have recently overcome injuries, also make the squad.
The team will be co-captained by Jamie George, with George Ford sharing the leadership duties. Charlie Atkinson, the sole specialist fly-half apart from Ford, is among ten uncapped players in the squad, with the likes of Bath's Max Ojomoh and Guy Pepper aiming for their first Test appearances. Thirteen frontline players, including Tommy Freeman, Elliot Daly, and fly-halves Fin and Marcus Smith, are currently on British and Irish Lions duty in Australia.
Borthwick described the forthcoming three-Test series as a substantial challenge and a chance for the squad's development. He highlighted the value of touring overseas for team bonding and the integration of new players, expressing excitement about the team's potential evolution.
Argentina, ranked fifth globally, have shown strong form by recently defeating the British and Irish Lions in Dublin and securing victories over South Africa, New Zealand, France, and Australia in the past year. They are seeking their first series win against England. Conversely, the United States has yet to defeat England, losing all nine previous encounters, including a 43-29 defeat in 2021.
England squad to tour Argentina and the United States includes a mix of seasoned players and newcomers, with notable names among both forwards and backs, promising an intriguing series ahead.
