England's 2027 Rugby World Cup Squad: The Great Reshuffle Begins
Just months ago, England head coach Steve Borthwick appeared to have a clear path toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. His Six Nations selection reflected a settled, predictable approach, with loyalty to established players and clear depth charts guiding his decisions. The exodus of numerous stars to France after the 2023 tournament had simplified many choices, while his refusal to select Bordeaux-bound Tom Willis demonstrated a long-term focus tailored specifically to the 2027 campaign.
The Six Nations Fallout: From Certainty to Chaos
Two devastating defeats and shocking performances against Scotland and Ireland have completely upended that stability. Comparisons are being drawn to England's disastrous 2018 Six Nations campaign, where Eddie Jones made the tough decision to move on from senior players like Chris Robshaw, James Haskell, Mike Brown, and Dylan Hartley ahead of the 2019 World Cup. Similarly, Borthwick's 2023 warm-up matches saw several players perform their way out of contention. The current situation suggests another major squad overhaul could be imminent.
The Bankers: Players Securing Their Spots
Despite a noticeable dip in form, Maro Itoje remains virtually guaranteed to captain England in 2027. His leadership and presence make him the heartbeat of the side, though he'll require careful management over the next three years. Alongside him, Ollie Chessum has emerged as one of the few players with significant credit from the current Six Nations campaign.
The back row may be misfiring, but Ben Earl's relentless work rate ensures Borthwick's favor, while young Henry Pollock's verve has already impressed both management and teammates. Injuries to key players have actually improved their standing, with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso now looking like one of England's most crucial assets. The scrum has performed adequately, but Will Stuart's return from injury will be eagerly anticipated.
Alex Mitchell could further cement his position as first-choice scrum-half if his replacements fail to impress against Italy and France. Ellis Genge has made some glaring errors, possibly suffering from a British & Irish Lions hangover, but his leadership value keeps him in contention. Tommy Freeman, despite England's struggles, retains enormous credit despite being shifted between positions.
The Probables: Likely but Not Guaranteed
If England are to salvage their Six Nations campaign, Fin Smith will likely be central to that revival. Despite a challenging first Lions experience, he was in pole position twelve months ago and is viewed by Borthwick as the future of English rugby. This puts increasing pressure on George Ford, though his role as an auxiliary coach within the squad shouldn't be underestimated.
Joe Heyes has been England's standout performer alongside Chessum in the championship, emerging as a reliable Test tighthead—a significant boost for Borthwick. Alex Coles has quietly impressed at lock since last year's Six Nations, ensuring what could have been a problem position hasn't become a crisis. Tom Roebuck missed the Ireland match at an opportune time and can reassert himself against Italy and France.
Tom Curry hasn't reached his usual standards, either as an impact substitute or starter, but provided he remains fit, Borthwick is unlikely to exclude him. Guy Pepper adapted seamlessly to international rugby until the Scotland match and has a bright future, though back-row competition is fierce. Luke Cowan-Dickie faces less threat due to limited competition at hooker, while Fin Baxter and Asher Opoku-Fordjour will return to contention when fit. Bevan Rodd appears safe as third-choice loosehead despite offering few frills.
The Maybes: Players on the Bubble
George Martin and Ben Curry would walk into the matchday squad if fully fit, but both face significant injury concerns—Martin with a long-term shoulder nerve issue and Curry with recurring hamstring problems. Ollie Lawrence looked sluggish against Ireland and has been sacrificed for Freeman's move to center, but offers physicality currently lacking elsewhere.
Fraser Dingwall has regressed recently in midfield, while George Furbank hasn't played for England since late 2024. A promising performance for Northampton against Saracens could see him challenge Freddie Steward for the fullback jersey after Steward's torrid afternoon against Ireland. Marcus Smith hasn't done much wrong in this Six Nations, but his days as England's attacking linchpin appear over.
Sam Underhill seemed indispensable not long ago, but his nightmare performance at Murrayfield recalled why he missed the initial 2023 World Cup squad. Borthwick's experiment with three opensides against Ireland failed, potentially opening the door for Chandler Cunningham-South against Italy. Jack van Poortvliet and Ben Spencer are competing behind Mitchell, with one likely to start in Rome, though neither inspires supreme confidence.
Jamie George will retire after the next World Cup and brings abundant leadership, but Borthwick has limited hooker options. After recent performances, the 2027 tournament suddenly feels more distant for the veteran.
The Long Shots and Outside Chances
Borthwick's praise for Roebuck in training doesn't bode well for Henry Arundell, whose explosive attributes England seem unable to properly utilize. Henry Slade and Elliot Daly fall into similar categories—either their international days are numbered or Borthwick already knows their World Cup capabilities. Raffi Quirke needs to overcome injury problems to climb the scrum-half pecking order, while Theo Dan hasn't progressed sufficiently since the last World Cup.
England have defensive doubts about Max Ojomoh, likely counting against him despite his attacking talents. Seb Atkinson possesses all the desired inside-center qualities but time is running out to establish himself. Trevor Davison and Immanuel Iyogun are currently injury cover and unlikely to make the plane unless squad depth becomes critical.
Potential Bolters and Wild Cards
With opponents neutralizing England's aerial game, Borthwick faces a strategic choice: change approach or double down. If he chooses the latter, Noah Caluori could be fast-tracked. Borthwick frequently laments the absence of power athletes, making Benhard Janse van Rensburg—eligible in November—a likely camp inclusion at the earliest opportunity.
Hoskins Sotutu becomes eligible when he joins Newcastle next season and fits RFU criteria, potentially making his England debut this summer. Borthwick rates Joe Marchant highly, and he'll re-enter consideration after joining Sale. Kepu Tuipulotu is only twenty but destined for many caps at hooker—the question is timing. Finally, Owen Farrell has returned to Saracens and, while absent during England's twelve-match winning run, his demanding standards could be exactly what the struggling side needs.
This tournament likely comes too soon for Billy Sela, while Arthur Clark, Greg Fisilau, and Cadan Murley would have received opportunities by now if Borthwick truly saw them as Test players. Adam Radwan, Oscar Beard, and Curtis Langdon don't appear to fit Borthwick's plans, and Charlie Ewels may again be the unluckiest player in English rugby if he narrowly misses selection.
