Joe Marchant returns to England squad as Borthwick faces midfield injuries

Joe Marchant has been recalled to England's training squad for the Nations Championship, earning his first call-up since the 2023 World Cup. The Guardian reported that the Sale centre is part of Steve Borthwick's 36-player group as injuries affect England's midfield choices. The squad begins preparations on Sunday for its autumn opener against Australia, with Marchant returning after his spell in French club rugby.

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The 30-year-old spent two years at Stade Français before joining Sale this season. His move back to the English Premiership restored his eligibility for England selection, according to the Guardian. His inclusion brings him back into the international set-up, although this announcement concerns a training camp rather than a confirmed team for the Australia match. The Nations Championship fixtures take place next month.

Gloucester centre Will Joseph has also been selected. He has made one Test appearance, on England's 2022 tour of Australia, and now joins the group following his club performances across the Premiership's opening four rounds. Joseph, the younger brother of former England international Jonathan Joseph, returns to contention while Borthwick deals with uncertainty over the availability of other midfield players.

Seb Atkinson will attend the camp at England's Surrey base but will work on rehabilitation for a knee injury. The Guardian reported that he had been pencilled in to start at inside centre against Australia. Benhard Janse van Rensburg is another injury concern: he has not played since suffering a concussion while representing Bristol on 3 October. Neither situation establishes who will ultimately be available for the opening match.

The squad list published by BBC Sport names Fraser Dingwall, Max Ojomoh and Henry Slade among the other backs alongside Marchant and Joseph. George Ford, Fin Smith and Marcus Smith are also included, as are Alex Mitchell, Archie McParland and Jack van Poortvliet. Tommy Freeman, Cadan Murley, Noah Caluori, George Furbank and Freddie Steward complete the 16-player backs group.

Borthwick's 20 forwards include Maro Itoje, Jamie George, Ellis Genge and Ben Earl. Marchant's Sale clubmates Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ben Curry, Tom Curry and Asher Opoku-Fordjour are also selected. The Guardian's squad listing places I. Feyi-Waboso and G. Pepper in the rehabilitation group alongside Atkinson, separate from the 36 players named for training.