England narrow down squad ahead of All Blacks

Eddie Jones has retained 25 players to continue England’s preparation for their second November Test against New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

Manu Tuilagi, who missed out on the game against the Springboks after withdrawing late due to a groin strain is among the players in contention to feature against the All Blacks.

Courtney Lawes, is also in line to return after a back problem.

On Monday Eddie Jones said “Manu is back and progressing well – we’re cautiously optimistic he’ll be available this week, the same with Courtney Lawes.”

There have been mixed messages when it comes to Tom Curry, the Sale Sharks man will remain in camp while his ankle is assessed further.

Earlier in the day forwards coach Steve Borthwick said his November campaign was over.

“Tom Curry is not available this week and he’ll be ruled out for the rest of the series as well,” Borthwick said.

“He injured his ankle but beyond that we don’t know how long, but for the next three Test matches he’ll be unavailable for us – everybody else is available for selection.”

The Harlequins pair Joe Marchant and Nathan Earle will train with the squad tomorrow before being released back to their club. Alex Lozowski (Saracens) will also stay in camp until later in the week.

Forwards
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby)
Jamie George (Saracens)
Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) co-captain
Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs)
Maro Itoje (Saracens)
George Kruis (Saracens)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
Ben Moon (Exeter Chiefs)
Brad Shields (Wasps)
Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby)
Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs)
Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons)

Backs
Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks)
Danny Care (Harlequins)
Elliot Daly (Wasps)
Owen Farrell (Saracens) co-captain
George Ford (Leicester Tigers)
Jonny May (Leicester Tigers)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors)
Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

Watch: Eddie Jones speaks to RugbyPass ahead of All Blacks clash