No return in sight for England star stood down in rugby following nasty injury

The setback, suffered in pre-season, has kept Mitchell from making his Premiership debut this 2024-25 campaign.

Yet, despite the absence, he was one of the 17 players awarded Elite Player Contracts by the RFU—demonstrating his key role in England’s setup.

The 27-year-old, with 15 caps to his name, won’t be available for England’s autumn internationals, kicking off against New Zealand on 2 November. Northampton’s director of rugby, Phil Dowson, shed some light on Mitchell’s situation earlier this month:

"He [Mitchell] had an injection, and we are waiting to see how effective that has been, so as frustrating as it is, and there are lots of questions around it, there isn't a definitive timeline because people are reticent to do anything more invasive."

For now, Saints are playing the waiting game. “So basically, a conservative approach is the best approach. We are sort of sat on our hands a little bit, waiting to see how he is. He is improving, but he is improving very slowly, and it is how we can accelerate that process without risking anything from a long-term point of view,” Dowson added.

Mitchell’s gradual recovery continues, with Saints and fans alike keeping fingers crossed for a smooth return, whenever that may be.

While fan-favorite fly-halves George Ford, Marcus Smith, and Fin Smith secured their places, a few seasoned veterans and rising stars were unexpectedly left off the list.

Here's a breakdown of the big names left in the cold:

Known for his larger-than-life personality and notorious social media presence, Harlequins prop Joe Marler has been a stalwart in England’s front row for over a decade. Marler's experience and resilience have made him a fan favorite, but he finds himself off the initial elite contract roster. Many believed his scrummaging expertise would secure him a spot, especially given the lack of tighthead props in the group. Is Borthwick looking toward the next generation of props? Time will tell.

Leicester's iconic tighthead Dan Cole, who boasts over 100 caps for England, also misses out. Cole's scrummaging dominance is well-documented, and he’s a household name in English rugby circles. His exclusion raises eyebrows, as he’s been a vital presence in England’s set-piece. Perhaps the 36-year-old veteran’s omission signals an intent to groom younger props for the future.

Bath’s powerhouse back-rower Sam Underhill is another standout name left off the list. Renowned for his bone-crunching tackles and defensive work, Underhill’s omission has been met with surprise. His impact in England’s 2019 World Cup run was immense, and he’s still at the peak of his game, so his absence could indicate a shifting focus toward bolstering England’s attacking options.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Leicester full-back Freddie Steward has redefined England’s No. 15 jersey in recent years. His high-ball skills and tactical awareness have made him one of the most reliable figures in the England backline. Steward’s absence is perhaps the most puzzling of all, with fans wondering if this means a reshuffle in the back-three hierarchy.

A utility player in every sense, Saracens’ Elliot Daly has been a jack-of-all-trades for England, filling roles from full-back to wing to center. Known for his exceptional kicking range and pace, Daly has been a staple of the English backline for years. It seems Borthwick may be seeking more specialized players in his new elite squad, but leaving out someone as versatile as Daly might come back to haunt him.

Harlequins' up-and-coming prop Fin Baxter has shown flashes of brilliance and looked like he could be part of the next generation of England’s front-row giants. At just 20 years old, his non-selection could indicate a longer-term development plan, or perhaps Borthwick wants to see more consistency from the young loosehead before committing to an elite contract.

London Irish’s explosive back-rower Chandler Cunningham-South is another omission to note. With his impressive physicality and skills in both offense and defense, many expected him to be part of Borthwick’s elite vision for England rugby’s future. His absence leaves fans wondering about the selection criteria for these groundbreaking contracts.