Eddie Jones has challenged his England charges to put a smile on the nation’s faces, after naming a 28-man squad for a three-day training camp ahead of their return to action this autumn.
The Red Rose conclude their 2020 Guinness Six Nations campaign away to Italy on October 31, after an uncapped Quilter Cup clash against the Barbarians at Twickenham six days before.
With three wins from four clashes so far in this year’s delayed series, England have already secured the Triple Crown and are hoping victory in Rome can yield their first Championship title since 2017.
The 2016 Grand Slam champions will then play four matches as part of the Autumn Nations Cup, with fixtures against Georgia, Ireland and Wales before a placing match to determine their final position in the competition.
Among those called up to begin preparations at The Lensbury between October 6-8 are 12 uncapped names, with players from six of the English Premiership’s 12 teams unavailable for selection due to league commitments.
Jones will announce an updated squad ahead of England’s next training camp, set to take place between October 15-17, but the Australian insists the hard work begins straight away.
“Our preparation to build the team for the Italy game starts now,” he said. “We’ll be slowly building up, working on the basics and working on team cohesion.
“We’re excited to be back together in camp representing England. This autumn we want to play for the fans and give them something to cheer about.”
Backs
Ali Crossdale, Saracens*
Elliot Daly, Saracens
Fraser Dingwall, Northampton Saints*
Nathan Earle, Harlequins*
Owen Farrell, Saracens
George Ford, Leicester Tigers
Piers Francis, Northampton Saints
George Furbank, Northampton Saints
Willi Heinz, Gloucester Rugby
Joe Marchant, Harlequins
Jonny May, Gloucester Rugby
Alex Mitchell, Northampton Saints*
Ollie Thorley, Gloucester Rugby*
Ben Youngs, Leicester Tigers
Forwards
Jack Clement, Gloucester Rugby*
Alex Dombrandt, Harlequins*
Ellis Genge, Leicester Tigers
Jamie George, Saracens
Joe Heyes, Leicester Tigers*
Maro Itoje, Saracens
Simon Kerrod, Harlequins*
Lewis Ludlow, Gloucester Rugby*
Alex Moon, Northampton Saints*
David Ribbans, Northampton Saints*
Jack Singleton, Gloucester Rugby
Billy Vunipola, Saracens
Mako Vunipola, Saracens
Mark Wilson, Newcastle Falcons
* Uncapped players
