England call up Charlie Atkinson after Fin Smith calf injury

England have called up Gloucester fly-half Charlie Atkinson after Fin Smith suffered a calf injury that will keep him out of this week's national training camp. The Guardian reported that Smith was hurt during the second half of Northampton's match against Leicester on Saturday, leaving his availability for next week's Nations Championship home opener against Australia uncertain.

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Smith will not attend the three-day camp in Bagshot, but England's management remain hopeful he can recover in time to face the Wallabies. An official update on his condition is expected on Tuesday. His absence from training is confirmed; the report does not establish that he has been ruled out of the international.

The injury affects a player who has become central to Steve Borthwick's selection at fly-half. Smith, 24, started in the position in all three England Tests in July and played an important part in Northampton's domestic title success last season. He took over from George Ford following England's Six Nations defeat by Ireland and has since strengthened his hold on the starting role.

Atkinson's addition gives Borthwick cover alongside the squad's other specialist fly-halves, Marcus Smith and Ford. According to the Guardian, Marcus Smith last started at 10 for England against Ireland in Dublin in the opening round of the 2025 Six Nations. No decision on who will start against Australia was reported, with Fin Smith's recovery still being assessed.

There are concerns elsewhere in the squad. Bath's Guy Pepper limped off against Gloucester on Friday, while Bristol's Benhard van Rensburg has not played since sustaining a heavy concussion in his club's second Premiership match of the season. Centre Seb Atkinson is also unable to train this week, although he has not ruled out appearing for Gloucester at Northampton at the weekend.

The formal squad announcement is due next Monday. Among the specialist centres awaiting developments are Henry Slade, Joe Marchant, Max Ojomoh and Fraser Dingwall. Marchant is back in England contention for the first time since the 2023 World Cup, having regained eligibility after leaving Stade Français and joining Sale Sharks.