Nations Championship countdown: Who could make England’s November squad?
Steve Borthwick is set to name his training squad following this weekend's Prem fixtures
©Photo by Mateo Ochhi - Nations Championship/Nations Championship via Getty Images
The countdown is on.
On Sunday, Steve Borthwick will name his training squad in preparation for November’s Nations Championship, with Australia, Japan and New Zealand all heading to Allianz Stadium.
The opening challenge comes on Sunday 8 November, when Australia visit for a 15:10 kick-off. The Wallabies are a familiar and formidable opponent, and England will need to be ready from the first whistle.
A week later, England face Japan on Saturday 14 November, kicking off at 16:40. Japan bring a distinctive style, built around pace, movement and ambition with ball in hand. England will have little time to reset after Australia before preparing for a different kind of test, one that will demand sharp decision-making and discipline across the pitch.
Then comes the fixture many supporters will have circled: New Zealand at 14:10 on Saturday 21 November. The All Blacks’ visit gives England a huge occasion to close out their home pool matches, with Dave Rennie's side having stormed to victory in their recent Bledisloe Cup outings against Australia.
It is the kind of game that tests a team’s composure as much as its skill, and could provide a memorable finish to the three-match block.
All three fixtures form part of the inaugural Nations Championship, bringing together leading teams from the northern and southern hemispheres across the international windows in July and November.
Once the pool stages have concluded next month, all 12 teams are ranked 1 to 6 within their respective hemisphere table based on points earned.
Then, over a three-day festival weekend (Friday 27th November to Sunday 29th), six double-header matches take place where each northern team faces the equivalently ranked southern team, including a 'Grand Final' between 1st place in the 'North' pool and 1st in the 'South'.
For Borthwick's England, who currently sit third in their pool, the immediate focus will be on preparation: building combinations, sharpening the detail and finding the consistency needed.
For supporters, the excitement is beginning to build while the national media will no doubt unpick the Eddie Jones and Steve Borthwick dynamic. We will be sure to follow Eddie and his geese...
Who has done enough to make the squad?
With the final round of Gallagher PREM matches taking place this weekend before Borthwick names his training squad, there is still time for players to make an impression and strengthen their claims for selection.
Recent European competition has provided plenty to discuss, with emerging players such as Gloucester's Will Joseph giving the selectors food for thought, even if the results of English clubs in Europe have raised wider questions about the strength and depth of the domestic game.
At this stage, it is likely that Borthwick has a good idea of his squad. However, based on performances in the PREM so far this season, it will be interesting to see whether Max Ojomoh, Arthur Clark and Joe Carpenter make the cut.
For us, these three have stood out in the opening fixtures for Bath, Gloucester and Sale respectively, and their performances have given Borthwick further options to consider.
The challenge for those pushing for inclusion is turning promising club form into a compelling international case. Ojomoh - who missed out on the Six Nations squad earlier this year - continues to offer an intriguing option in midfield, while Clark's progress and Carpenter's performances make them names worth watching.
Ultimately, the question is whether Borthwick will stick with players who have already established themselves in the international setup or make room for those whose early-season form suggests they could bring something different to the group with less than a year to go until the World Cup.
With Australia, Japan and New Zealand presenting such contrasting challenges over the next few weeks, versatility and squad balance could prove just as important as individual form.
George Hendy pushing for his chance
Another name worth adding to the conversation is Northampton Saints’ George Hendy. The 24-year-old has made a strong case for himself through his performances at club level, including important contributions to Northampton’s PREM final victories in 2024 and 2026.
With the November internationals approaching, speaking to the BBC, Hendy is determined to turn that form into an opportunity with England.
His versatility could work in his favour, with the ability to play on the wing or at full-back offering Borthwick options across the back three.
Hendy has also spoken about the work he is putting into the less established areas of his game following discussions with the England coaching staff. His ability to beat defenders and finish tries is a clear strength, but he recognises that continued development in other areas will be needed to make the step up to international rugby.
With a training squad about to be named, Hendy may have done enough to put himself firmly in the selectors’ thoughts. Whether his chance comes now or further down the line, his progress is another reminder that Borthwick has ambitious players pushing for inclusion.
Nathan Jibulu. The exciting prospect at Sale
Another young player making people sit up and take notice is Sale Sharks hooker Nathan Jibulu, who has enjoyed an encouraging start to the season.
His performances, particularly in Sale’s 21-17 win at Saracens earlier this month, have highlighted the qualities that make him an exciting prospect.
He combines explosive carrying and physicality in the tackle with the ability to make an impact around the pitch. His improved throwing accuracy at the lineout is another positive for the former Harlequin.
Jibulu also caught the eye at England Under-20 level, and his recent club form suggests he is continuing to develop in the right direction.
Hooker is a position worth watching as England look beyond their established options and consider the next generation. Jamie George brings considerable experience, as does Jibulu's clubmate Luke Cowan-Dickie, while Theo Dan has already featured at international level.
However, with the longer-term depth chart still an interesting question for Borthwick and his coaches, opportunities could emerge for those like Jibulu who continue to impress at club level.
For now, Jibulu’s priority will be to maintain his form for Sale rather than focus on an immediate England call-up but his physical qualities, growing consistency and progress at the set-piece make him a name to keep on the radar.
The wait is almost over
The final PREM fixtures before the squad announcement provide one last opportunity for players to catch the selectors’ attention. While Borthwick may already have settled on much of his group, strong performances this weekend could still make a difference.
The dates are set, the opposition is confirmed, and now we await the squad. With Australia first, Japan next and New Zealand to follow, the resumption of England’s Nations Championship campaign is almost here.
Let us know which games you’re heading to and who you think deserves a place in the squad.
