England are set to reshuffle their backline for the autumn international against Fiji on Saturday with Semesa Rokoduguni, Alex Goode and Jonathan Joseph all pressing for more prominent roles. The trio are looking to edge out Marland Yarde, Mike Brown and Elliot Daly with Eddie Jones keen to extend his side’s range of attacking options.
Rokoduguni and Goode missed out completely against South Africa despite impressive recent form for their respective clubs, Bath and Saracens. Joseph was ever-present in England’s midfield before the Springboks game but featured only as a second-half replacement in the 37-21 victory.
Billy Vunipola has recovered from the knock that initially sidelined him from training this week and has been named alongside fellow back‑row forwards Nathan Hughes and Teimana Harrison, who replaces his Northampton team-mate Tom Wood. With Dave Attwood unavailable because of a swollen knee, his Bath team-mate Charlie Ewels is set for a first England cap off the bench. Exeter’s Henry Slade is also included in a 25-strong squad, with Yarde dropping out.
Leicester expect Manu Tuilagi to be fit to return Tuilagi has been recovering from a tight groin and the Tigers hope he will be fit for their Premiership game against Northampton at Welford Road on 3 December.
England squad v Fiji:
Backs: Alex Goode (Saracens), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Jonny May (Gloucester), Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath), Elliot Daly (Wasps), Jonathan Joseph (Bath), Henry Slade (Exeter), Ben Te’o (Worcester), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath), Danny Care (Harlequins), Ben Youngs (Leicester).
Forwards: Jamie George (Saracens), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton), Charlie Ewels (Bath), Nathan Hughes (Wasps), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Teimana Harrison (Northampton), Billy Vunipola (Saracens).
