England suffer George Ford blow ahead of summer series

England will miss the services of fly-half George Ford in the upcoming summer series following an injury.

Ford is currently recovering from a pre-existing Achilles injury and started for England in all the five games during the Six Nations tournament earlier in the year.

The 31-year-old also missed the most of the 2022/23 season due to an Achilles injury and now his absence along with Owen Farrell's move to France means England coach Steve Borthwick will have the options of Marcus Smith, Fin Smith and Charlie Atkinson as probabilities for the number 10 slot.

"Naturally we're disappointed that George won't be with us in Japan and New Zealand," said Borthwick.

"Following specialist medical advice, and in consultation with George himself, we have decided this is the best course of action.

"George is a big part of the England team and is an excellent professional who I know will rehab diligently to ensure he gets himself right as soon as he can."

England will be taking on Japan in the first game of the summer series on 22nd June before they head to New Zealand for a two-game Test series against the All Blacks on 6th and 13th July.