England head coach Stuart Lancaster believes he is building a team full of leaders after announcing his squad for the autumn internationals.
Chris Robshaw – England’s top tackler during the 2014 RBS 6 Nations – will continue to captain the side as he has done for 27 of their last 30 Tests, heading into games against New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia next month.
England have called up three uncapped players in Bath winger Semesa Rokoduguni, Saracens second row George Kruis and Northampton flanker Calum Clark.
But despite missing a host of players through injury – including Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi – Lancaster is confident his squad have the experience to succeed over the coming weeks.
“With other players now stepping up into captaincy and senior roles at their clubs, we are building a team of leaders who can take England forward,” he said.
“We are still monitoring a number of players injury-wise and with another intensive round of European games to come, including the Wasps-Harlequins and Sale-Clermont games on Sunday, there are likely to be additions to the squad.
“We have included Jonathan Joseph as an injury replacement for Manu. It is obviously disappointing to lose Manu but JJ has been in great form and deserves this chance.
“Our medics will continue to work closely with Leicester’s and ensure that Manu is supported in his rehabilitation from his injury.”
Among those to miss out are Saracens winger Chris Ashton and Sale fly-half Danny Cipriani, who both played during the summer tour to New Zealand.
Forwards Alex Corbisiero, Dan Cole, Tom Youngs and Mako Vunipola are all still long-term absentees from the front row.
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