Feyi-Waboso returns to England: lineup vs. USA with debutants

England ready to face the United States with several new faces

Coach Steve Borthwick has defined the England team that will face the United States in Washington D.C. in the closing of the summer tour. The inclusion of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the wing and the possible presentation of up to six new players in Saturday’s match stand out. Feyi-Waboso returns after serving a suspension imposed after a match against France XV last month, which prevented him from participating in the consecutive victories over Argentina in the first two matches of the tour. This was his first game since December, after an injury limited his participation in the second half of the season and denied him the chance to be called up by the British & Irish Lions. England is presented with numerous absences of regular players who are in Australia with the Lions, which has led Borthwick to expand his selection. Fullback Joe Carpenter, center Max Ojomoh and second row Arthur Clark will make their international debut in the starting XV, while hooker Gabriel Oghre, fly-half Charlie Atkinson and center Oscar Beard could earn their first call-up from the bench.

“There has been a great spirit in the team throughout this tour,” commented Borthwick.
Steve Borthwick

“The players have worked hard for each other and have raised the standards every day. Those who have been selected this weekend have earned their opportunity through their effort and attitude.”
Steve Borthwick

“Our goal is to keep building the team, learn from every experience, and deliver a performance that our supporters can be proud of.”
Steve Borthwick

Cadan Murley will be on the wing and Luke Northmore will keep his position in the center alongside Ojomoh. Captain George Ford will have a new partner at scrum-half, Jack van Poortvliet, who scored a decisive try in the 22-17 victory over Argentina last Saturday. Ford, with 101 caps, surpasses the rest of the starting XV in experience (96). Curtis Langdon will be the hooker, with Bevan Rodd and Asher Opoku-Fordjour on the sides, while the second row will be formed by Alex Coles and Clark. Alex Dombrandt will play at number eight, with flankers Chandler Cunningham-South and Guy Pepper completing the back row. This will only be the second time England has played against the United States on American soil, having visited the country for the last time in 2001. England has won the seven previous matches against its rival.