Jamie George among five players let go from England squad
Rugby NewsTuesday, 18 November 2025 at 19:07
England’s bruising autumn has claimed more casualties, with hooker Jamie George, wing Tom Roebuck, and centre Ollie Lawrence all ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Argentina.
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The trio started the 33–19 win over New Zealand, but George and Lawrence have succumbed to hamstring issues, while Roebuck is sidelined by a foot injury.
They join Ollie Chessum and Tommy Freeman on the absentee list, with both still unavailable after missing the All Blacks victory.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has called up Jamie Blamire, Charlie Ewels, and teenage flyer Noah Caluori, the uncapped winger fresh from scoring for England A against Spain. The trio bolster a squad chasing an unbeaten autumn.
Argentina arrive in London riding momentum after dismantling Wales and producing a dramatic comeback to shock Scotland in Edinburgh.
Fly-half George Ford, who steered England to a 2–0 series win in Argentina this summer, says the Pumas will be a serious test.
“I know first-hand how good Argentina are,” Ford told BBC Sport. “They’re emotional, passionate, and we’ll need to nail our prep.”
Meanwhile, Freddie Steward has been cleared to play after passing follow-up head injury assessments, despite failing his initial HIA during the win over New Zealand.
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2027 Rugby World Cup draw:
Predicted based on current rankings:
POOL A – “The Powerhouse Pool”
South Africa (Band 1)
Reigning giants of world rugby. Dominant set-piece, immense defence, and ruthless efficiency.
Reigning giants of world rugby. Dominant set-piece, immense defence, and ruthless efficiency.
Australia (Band 2)
A proud rugby nation rebuilding with speed and energy. Dangerous even when inconsistent.
A proud rugby nation rebuilding with speed and energy. Dangerous even when inconsistent.
Japan (Band 3)
Fast, inventive, and fearless. Known for quick ball movement and tactical cleverness.
Fast, inventive, and fearless. Known for quick ball movement and tactical cleverness.
Tonga (Band 4)
Explosive and physical. Can trouble any side when their offloading game clicks.
Explosive and physical. Can trouble any side when their offloading game clicks.
Summary:
A bruising pool where South Africa and Australia enter as favourites, but Japan’s pace and Tonga’s power guarantee unpredictability. This could have a genuine upset or two.
POOL B – “The Pacific Showcase”
New Zealand (Band 1)
The All Blacks — unmatched flair, speed, and rugby IQ. Always title contenders.
The All Blacks — unmatched flair, speed, and rugby IQ. Always title contenders.
Fiji (Band 2)
Electric footwork, immense power, and natural creativity. A nightmare matchup for any defence.
Electric footwork, immense power, and natural creativity. A nightmare matchup for any defence.
Spain (Band 3)
An improving side full of flair. Known for adventurous attacking rugby.
An improving side full of flair. Known for adventurous attacking rugby.
Portugal (Band 4)
Rapidly rising European underdogs with surprising resilience and strong fundamentals.
Rapidly rising European underdogs with surprising resilience and strong fundamentals.
Summary:
New Zealand will be heavily favoured, but Fiji vs Spain could be one of the most entertaining games of the pool stage. Portugal are capable of troubling anyone.
POOL C – “The Northern Duel”
England (Band 1)
Structured, disciplined, and tactically sharp. Physically imposing across the park.
Structured, disciplined, and tactically sharp. Physically imposing across the park.
Scotland (Band 2)
Smart, spirited, and dangerous on the counter. A team with real giant-killing pedigree.
Smart, spirited, and dangerous on the counter. A team with real giant-killing pedigree.
Uruguay (Band 3)
Tenacious, passionate, and technically improving. Not afraid to push Tier 1 teams.
Tenacious, passionate, and technically improving. Not afraid to push Tier 1 teams.
Romania (Band 4)
Historic rugby nation known for strong forward play and gritty defence.
Historic rugby nation known for strong forward play and gritty defence.
Summary:
England vs Scotland is a blockbuster rivalry clash. Uruguay and Romania bring real physicality, making this a hard-hitting pool with no easy points.
POOL D – “The Strategic Pool”
Ireland (Band 1)
Masters of structured play, precise phase work, and relentless pressure.
Masters of structured play, precise phase work, and relentless pressure.
Italy (Band 2)
Much-improved, athletic, and attacking. Capable of stunning big opponents.
Much-improved, athletic, and attacking. Capable of stunning big opponents.
USA (Band 3)
Athletic, strong, and constantly evolving. Dangerous when momentum builds.
Athletic, strong, and constantly evolving. Dangerous when momentum builds.
Hong Kong China (Band 4)
Developing nation eager to prove themselves on the world stage.
Developing nation eager to prove themselves on the world stage.
Summary:
Ireland are clear favourites, but Italy’s unpredictability creates tension. USA have upset potential, while Hong Kong China enter with nothing to lose.
POOL E – “The Physical Pool”
France (Band 1)
Inventive, unpredictable, and thrilling. A team of individual brilliance and collective power.
Inventive, unpredictable, and thrilling. A team of individual brilliance and collective power.
Georgia (Band 2)
The strongest scrummaging force outside Tier 1. Known for defensive toughness.
The strongest scrummaging force outside Tier 1. Known for defensive toughness.
Samoa (Band 3)
Big, fast, and fearless. Excels in broken play and physical collisions.
Big, fast, and fearless. Excels in broken play and physical collisions.
Canada (Band 4)
Experienced, hard-working side looking to rebuild.
Experienced, hard-working side looking to rebuild.
Summary:
France’s flair meets Georgia’s power and Samoa’s athletic chaos. A brutally physical pool where every match will be a grind. Canada will need discipline to compete.
POOL F – “The South American Showdown”
Argentina (Band 1)
Emotionally charged, tactically clever, and fearless. A true tournament threat.
Emotionally charged, tactically clever, and fearless. A true tournament threat.
Wales (Band 2)
Organised, structured, and resilient. Known for discipline and tournament savvy.
Organised, structured, and resilient. Known for discipline and tournament savvy.
Chile (Band 3)
Fast-improving and fearless. Their speed and fighting spirit make them tricky.
Fast-improving and fearless. Their speed and fighting spirit make them tricky.
Zimbabwe (Band 4)
Massive underdogs with big hearts and explosive athletes.
Massive underdogs with big hearts and explosive athletes.
Summary:
Argentina vs Wales is a heavyweight clash for top spot. Chile will push both, and Zimbabwe’s unpredictability adds an exciting wildcard element.
EDITORS PICKS
- 2026 Nations Championship fixtures confirmed: England get nightmare start
- Autumn team of the week: England dominated the XV
- Sir Clive Woodward drops controversial Henry Pollock verdict
- Most Overrated Rugby Players of All Time (Ranked 20-1)
- England lock set to quit Leicester Tigers for Gallagher Prem rivals
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