England name 36-man squad for Australia Test

England head coach Steve Borthwick has named a 36-player squad for the Nations Championship ahead of Sunday's clash with Australia at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

The selection includes 20 forwards and 16 backs, with Northampton Saints scrum-half Alex Mitchell missing following a hamstring injury sustained during his club's victory over Gloucester on Satirfday evening.

Alex Mitchell Misses England Squad With Hamstring Injury

Mitchell was forced off during Northampton's 28-14 Gallagher Prem victory over Gloucester on October 31 at DPD Stadium at Franklin's Gardens.

The scrum-half left the field after approximately 20 minutes and was replaced by 20-year-old Jonny Weimann. Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson confirmed Mitchell had suffered a hamstring injury but said its severity was not yet known.

Ben Spencer (Bath) and Harry Randall (Bristol Bears) are named as England's scrum-half options - alongside Leicester's Jack van Poortvliet - in the latest squad announcement, with Mitchell unavailable for selection.

Fin Smith Included in England Nations Championship Squad

Northampton fly-half Fin Smith has been included despite missing England's previous three-day training camp because of a calf injury.

The 36-player group are scheduled to assemble at England's performance centre at Pennyhill Park on November 2.

Borthwick highlighted the importance of England's autumn fixtures, which provide opportunities to face Southern Hemisphere opposition ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

"We're looking forward to getting back to Allianz Stadium for four important Test matches against top-level opposition," said Borthwick.

"These fixtures take on added significance this Autumn as they represent our final opportunity to face Southern Hemisphere opposition before next year's Rugby World Cup.

"Facing Australia next Sunday is an exciting challenge. They have played a significant amount of Test rugby in recent months, and we know the quality and experience they will bring."

England Prepare for Australia, Japan and New Zealand

England face Australia on Sunday, November 8 and subsequently host Japan on November 14 and New Zealand on November 21, with both matches at Allianz Stadium.

The Nations Championship concludes with Finals Weekend at Allianz Stadium from November 27 to 29.