Steve Borthwick, England's head coach, has unveiled a 36-man juggernaut for the 2026 Six Nations, peppered with fresh talent and seasoned warriors, as the team eyes its first title since 2020. The squad includes three uncapped players, signaling a bold step into the future amidst a backdrop of injury woes, particularly in the front-row.
Bath powerhouse Vilikesa Sela and Northampton’s Emmanuel Iyogun are set to bolster the beleaguered front-row, with Exeter’s Greg Fisilau also poised to make his senior debut. The inclusion of these newcomers follows a stellar year for England, who are entering the championship on the back of an 11-match winning streak from 2025.
The squad sees the return of Northampton full-back George Furbank, marking his comeback to the international scene since his last appearance in the previous championship. His selection straight into the training squad rather than the rehabilitation group hints at a full-throttle return against Wales in the opening match.
"We’ve picked a squad with a good balance of experience, leadership and exciting potential,"
Borthwick stated.
"The margins in the Guinness Six Nations are incredibly fine so our aim over the coming days is to come together quickly, prepare thoroughly, and make sure we’re ready to perform."
Maro Itoje will continue to captain the side, a role he executed flawlessly throughout 2025, guiding England through a series of victories that have set high expectations for the upcoming championship.
The squad will also include players like Fin Baxter, Ben Curry, Ollie Lawrence, Tom Roebuck, and Fin Smith, who will all head to the training base in Girona for rehabilitation.
With the blend of emerging talent and proven performers, England's squad looks more formidable than ever. As they gear up for the Six Nations, the team's composition and the leadership under Borthwick suggest they are not just participating, but are on a crusade to reclaim their lost glory.
Forwards: Ollie Chessum, Arthur Clark, Alex Coles, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Trevor Davison, Ben Earl, Greg Fisilau, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje (c), Emmanuel Iyogun, Guy Pepper, Henry Pollock, Bevan Rodd, Vilikesa Sela, Sam Underhill
Backs: Henry Arundell, Seb Atkinson, Elliot Daly, Fraser Dingwall, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Alex Mitchell, Cadan Murley, Max Ojomoh, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet
Rehabilitation in Girona: Fin Baxter, Ben Curry, Ollie Lawrence, Tom Roebuck, Fin Smith
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Steve Borthwick, England's head coach, has unveiled a 36-man juggernaut for the 2026 Six Nations, peppered with fresh talent and seasoned warriors, as the team eyes its first title since 2020. The squad includes three uncapped players, signaling a bold step into the future amidst a backdrop of injury woes, particularly in the front-row.
Bath powerhouse Vilikesa Sela and Northampton’s Emmanuel Iyogun are set to bolster the beleaguered front-row, with Exeter’s Greg Fisilau also poised to make his senior debut. The inclusion of these newcomers follows a stellar year for England, who are entering the championship on the back of an 11-match winning streak from 2025.
The squad sees the return of Northampton full-back George Furbank, marking his comeback to the international scene since his last appearance in the previous championship. His selection straight into the training squad rather than the rehabilitation group hints at a full-throttle return against Wales in the opening match.
"We’ve picked a squad with a good balance of experience, leadership and exciting potential,"
Borthwick stated."The margins in the Guinness Six Nations are incredibly fine so our aim over the coming days is to come together quickly, prepare thoroughly, and make sure we’re ready to perform."
Maro Itoje will continue to captain the side, a role he executed flawlessly throughout 2025, guiding England through a series of victories that have set high expectations for the upcoming championship.
The squad will also include players like Fin Baxter, Ben Curry, Ollie Lawrence, Tom Roebuck, and Fin Smith, who will all head to the training base in Girona for rehabilitation.
With the blend of emerging talent and proven performers, England's squad looks more formidable than ever. As they gear up for the Six Nations, the team's composition and the leadership under Borthwick suggest they are not just participating, but are on a crusade to reclaim their lost glory.
Forwards: Ollie Chessum, Arthur Clark, Alex Coles, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Trevor Davison, Ben Earl, Greg Fisilau, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje (c), Emmanuel Iyogun, Guy Pepper, Henry Pollock, Bevan Rodd, Vilikesa Sela, Sam Underhill
Backs: Henry Arundell, Seb Atkinson, Elliot Daly, Fraser Dingwall, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Alex Mitchell, Cadan Murley, Max Ojomoh, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet
Rehabilitation in Girona: Fin Baxter, Ben Curry, Ollie Lawrence, Tom Roebuck, Fin Smith