Lawes and Vunipola Recalled – England Squad for the Summer Tour
Rugby NewsThursday, 09 April 2026 at 12:08
England head into the 2026 summer tour at a pivotal moment—balancing the need for results with the long-term evolution of the squad.
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The expected recalls of senior figures like Courtney Lawes and Mako Vunipola signal a shift back toward experience and physical edge, particularly with a brutal run of fixtures ahead.
This isn’t a development tour in the traditional sense. With clashes against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina, England will need to be battle-ready from the first whistle.
The squad reflects that reality: a hardened core of Test-proven leaders combined with a new generation pushing hard for permanent roles on the international stage.
England Summer Tour Fixtures (2026)
England’s summer tour shapes up as a serious test across three very different rugby environments:
- South Africa vs England
? Ellis Park, Johannesburg
? 4 July 2026 - Fiji vs England
? Hill Dickinson Stadium (Everton)
? 11 July 2026 - Argentina vs England
? Venue TBC
? 18 July 2026
This is a brutal run—altitude in South Africa, flair against Fiji, and physicality in Argentina.
Poll:
Full Predicted England Squad
Props
- Ellis Genge
- Mako Vunipola
- Fin Baxter
- Joe Heyes
- Asher Opoku-Fordjour
- Afolabi Fasogbon
Summary:
A powerful and evolving unit. Genge sets the tone physically, Vunipola adds experience, and the younger options bring mobility and long-term promise.
A powerful and evolving unit. Genge sets the tone physically, Vunipola adds experience, and the younger options bring mobility and long-term promise.
Hookers
- Jamie George
- Kepu Tuipulotu
- Tom Dunn
Summary:
George remains the cornerstone with his leadership and set-piece accuracy. Dunn adds physical edge, while Tuipulotu is a high-upside development option.
George remains the cornerstone with his leadership and set-piece accuracy. Dunn adds physical edge, while Tuipulotu is a high-upside development option.
Second Row
- Courtney Lawes
- Ollie Chessum
- Maro Itoje
- Alex Coles
Summary:
An elite engine room. Itoje leads the charge, Lawes adds experience and presence, while Chessum and Coles provide athleticism and lineout strength.
An elite engine room. Itoje leads the charge, Lawes adds experience and presence, while Chessum and Coles provide athleticism and lineout strength.
Back Row
- Guy Pepper
- Henry Pollock
- Chandler Cunningham-South
- Ben Earl
- Tom Curry
- Greg Fisilau
Summary:
Highly competitive and dynamic. Earl and Curry are standout performers, supported by a group full of energy, versatility, and breakdown ability.
Highly competitive and dynamic. Earl and Curry are standout performers, supported by a group full of energy, versatility, and breakdown ability.
Scrum-Halves
- Alex Mitchell
- Jack van Poortvliet
- Archie McParland
Summary:
Mitchell brings tempo and control, van Poortvliet offers reliability, and McParland is an exciting young option for the future.
Mitchell brings tempo and control, van Poortvliet offers reliability, and McParland is an exciting young option for the future.
Fly-Halves
- Fin Smith
- Marcus Smith
- George Ford
Summary:
A balanced trio—Fin Smith’s composure, Marcus Smith’s attacking spark, and Ford’s tactical control give England flexibility depending on opposition.
A balanced trio—Fin Smith’s composure, Marcus Smith’s attacking spark, and Ford’s tactical control give England flexibility depending on opposition.
Centres
- Ollie Lawrence
- Max Ojomoh
- Joe Marchant
- Seb Atkinson
Summary:
A blend of power and creativity. Lawrence provides go-forward, Marchant defensive organisation, with Ojomoh and Atkinson offering attacking flair.
A blend of power and creativity. Lawrence provides go-forward, Marchant defensive organisation, with Ojomoh and Atkinson offering attacking flair.
Back Three
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
- Henry Arundell
- Adam Radwan
- George Furbank
- Tommy Freeman
- Tom Roebuck
- Freddie Steward
Summary:
Pace and finishing across the board. Arundell and Radwan bring speed, while Furbank adds playmaking and Steward aerial dominance.
Pace and finishing across the board. Arundell and Radwan bring speed, while Furbank adds playmaking and Steward aerial dominance.
Predicted England XV
Starting XV
- Ellis Genge
- Jamie George
- Joe Heyes
- Maro Itoje
- Ollie Chessum
- Courtney Lawes
- Tom Curry
- Ben Earl
- Alex Mitchell
- Fin Smith
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
- Ollie Lawrence
- Joe Marchant
- Tommy Freeman
- George Furbank
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