England coach Steve Borthwick ponders key selections ahead of New Zealand Test
Steve Borthwick weighs selection as Chessum and Freeman battle injuries before New Zealand test.
©PA
England head coach Steve Borthwick is facing selection uncertainty ahead of Saturday’s showdown with the All Blacks at Twickenham, with two key players – Ollie Chessum and Tommy Freeman – in doubt due to injuries.
Both missed Monday’s training session after sustaining problems in England’s 38-18 win over Fiji.
Chessum, who exited the match with a foot issue and was later seen on crutches, faces a potential sidelining that could force a reshuffle in England’s second-row.
If unfit, his spot alongside captain Maro Itoje may be filled by Alex Coles.
Meanwhile, Freeman is dealing with a hamstring strain after being substituted during the same fixture, leaving his position in the back-line uncertain.
"I was told Tommy was feeling a bit tight. That was why I decided to make that change. It's as simple as that." said the England coach.
Borthwick may also consider the returning Elliot Daly, who is now back in training after fracturing his forearm in July and is vying for involvement at full-back.
England currently ride a nine-match unbeaten run and view the New Zealand fixture as a crucial step forward in their autumn campaign.
They have also not defeated the All Blacks at home since 2012 and suffered a narrow 24-22 loss to them at the same venue in November 2024.
