Maro Itoje returns to England squad for Autumn Tests

Maro Itoje has returned to the England set-up after being named in Steve Borthwick’s 36-man training squad ahead of this autumn’s Nations Championship fixtures against Australia, Japan and New Zealand.

Maro Itoje returns after summer break

The 31-year-old Saracens second row missed England’s July matches against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina after being given his first extended summer break from rugby in more than a decade.

Itoje has since spoken positively about the benefits of the time away following a demanding period that included international and club commitments alongside the death of his mother.

England’s players will assemble on Sunday for their first camp since the summer programme as preparations begin for three home Tests in November.

Itoje is expected to resume the England captaincy when Borthwick’s side face Australia on November 8.

England prepare for Nations Championship fixtures

Following the Australia clash, England will face Japan on November 14 before completing their autumn schedule against New Zealand on November 21.

Jamie George, who led England during Itoje’s summer absence, has been included despite currently managing a groin injury.

Ollie Chessum will also join the squad while continuing his recovery from a foot problem.

Lawes and Marchant miss England training squad

Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant have not been included despite becoming eligible for England selection again following their returns from French rugby.

England squad:

Forwards: Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Arthur Clark (Gloucester), Alex Coles (Northampton), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Tom Curry (Sale), Theo Dan (Saracens), Ben Earl (Saracens), Greg Fisilau (Exeter), Joe Heyes (Leicester), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Emmanuel Iyogun (Northampton), George Kloska (Bristol), George Martin (Saracens), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale), Guy Pepper (Bath), Henry Pollock (Northampton), Will Stuart (Bath), Kepueli Tuipulotu (Bath), Sam Underhill (Bath).

Backs: Seb Atkinson (Gloucester), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Tobias Elliott (Saracens), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter), George Ford (Sale), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), George Furbank (Harlequins), Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol), Archie McParland (Northampton), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Harry Randall (Bristol), Henry Slade (Exeter), Fin Smith (Northampton), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Freddie Steward (Leicester), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester).