England men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named three Sharks as replacements in his matchday squad to face Fiji in Round 2 of the Nations Championship on Saturday 11 July at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool (kick-off 2.10pm BST, live on ITV1).
After starting the defeat to South Africa, Tom Curry switches to the bench with Guy Pepper taking his place at openside flanker. Luke Cowan-Dickie and Asher Opoku-Fordjour start as replacements once again after appearing in the second-half at Ellis Park.
The Sharks trio are likely to go head to head with future teammate Elia Canakaivata, who started Fiji’s fixture against Wales in the number 8 shirt.
Borthwick has made one more personnel changes to the starting XV which faced the world champions in Johannesburg last weekend, with Henry Slade coming into the side. Elsewhere, uncapped trio George Kloska, Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Noah Caluori are named amongst the replacements.
Jamie George will captain the side, with Ollie Chessum and Ellis Genge serving as vice-captains.
“We’ve had a really positive week of preparation, and the players have worked hard in training,” said Borthwick.
“We know Fiji will provide a tough challenge. They are a dangerous side who will demand the very best from us.
“It’s fantastic to be playing at Hill Dickinson Stadium, which is an outstanding venue. There is a real passion for rugby across the north of England, and we’re looking forward to experiencing a brilliant atmosphere in Liverpool.”
Following the match, England will travel to Argentina to face Los Pumas at Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades, Santiago del Estero in Round 3.
All Nations Championship matches will be broadcast live on ITV Sport.
FIJI v ENGLAND
Saturday 11 July 2026. Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool. Kick-off: 2.10pm BST.
15. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 51 caps)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 28 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 75 caps)
12. Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 5 caps)
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 14 caps)
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 17 caps)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 25 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 81 caps) – vice-captain
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 111 caps) – captain
3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 23 caps)
4. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 20 caps)
5. George Martin (Saracens, 22 caps)
6. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 36 caps) – vice-captain
7. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, 13 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 52 caps)
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 59 caps)
17. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks, 7 caps)
18. George Kloska (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
19. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 69 caps)
20. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 31 caps)
22. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
23. Noah Caluori (Saracens, uncapped)
