Maro Itoje left out of England squad

England captain Maro Itoje's involvement in this summer's tour appears increasingly unlikely after he was not included in Steve Borthwick's latest training camp.

The Saracens lock is absent from the 26-man squad currently preparing for England XV's meeting with a France XV later this month.

While no final decision has been announced, reports suggest England are considering a rest period for Itoje unless injuries significantly reduce their second-row options.

England are not expected to finalise their touring squad until June 22nd, for their Nations Championship games against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

England Name Uncapped Players For France XV Match

Borthwick’s selections have also been shaped by the Gallagher Prem semi-finals, with players involved in this weekend’s fixtures unavailable for camp.

New additions include Saracens lock Hugh Tizard, Harlequins prop Will Hobson, Sale hooker Nathan Jibulu and Bristol tighthead George Kloska. They could be involved when an uncapped England XV face a France XV in Vannes on June 19th.

Saracens wing Tobias Elliott and Gloucester back Ben Redshaw have also joined the squad, while Luke Cowan-Dickie, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ellis Genge will continue injury rehabilitation at Pennyhill Park.

In terms of Feyi-Waboso, the 22-year-old underwent surgery after suffering a fractured jaw during Exeter's recent Prem defeat by Leicester Tigers.

Under the agreement covering England's centrally contracted players, the Rugby Football Union will have the final say on when Feyi-Waboso is cleared to return.

England Prepare For Nations Championship Fixtures

Bristol centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg has been included and could feature in the uncapped France XV match before becoming eligible for capped England fixtures through residency in July.

England will begin their Nations Championship campaign against South Africa in Johannesburg on July 4, before facing Fiji and Argentina later in the month.

England squad:

Forwards: Arthur Clark (Gloucester), Tom Curry (Sale), Theo Dan (Saracens), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Afolabi Fasogbon (Gloucester), Jamie George (Saracens), Will Hobson (Harlequins), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Nathan Jibulu (Sale), Jack Kenningham (Harlequins), George Kloska (Bristol), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale), Hugh Tizard (Saracens).

Backs: Charlie Atkinson (Gloucester), Seb Atkinson (Gloucester), Noah Caluori (Saracens), Tobias Elliott (Saracens), George Ford (Sale), Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Raffi Quirke (Sale), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears), Ben Redshaw (Gloucester), Tom Roebuck (Sale), Marcus Smith (Harlequins).