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Tom Hamilton, Senior Writer
England have made two changes for Japan on Sunday with Tom Curry and George Furbank both starting, while Asher Opoku-Fordjour is in line to make his debut from the bench.
England are seeking to end their November internationals on a winning note having fallen to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa this month.
Steve Borthwick has resisted the temptation to make mass changes for Sunday’s match. Furbank returns at full-back with Freddie Steward dropping out of the matchday squad. Curry is in the back-row after recovering from a head injury sustained against Australia, and his return sees Chandler Cunningham-South on the bench.
Fin Smith replaces George Ford on England’s bench while Cunningham-South steps in for Alex Dombrandt. Sale prop Opoku-Fordjour could make his England debut as replacement tight-head.
“We anticipate a tough challenge from a team that thrives on playing fast and with tempo,” Borthwick said. “Japan are a dangerous team so it’s important that we execute our game plan and maintain focus throughout the full 80 minutes.”
England team to face Japan:
Team: George Furbank, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade, Ollie Sleightholme, Marcus Smith, Jack van Poortvliet, Ellis Genge, Jamie George (captain), Will Stuart, Maro Itoje, George Martin, Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Ben Earl.
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Fin Baxter, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Nick Isiekwe, Chandler Cunningham-South, Harry Randall, Fin Smith, Tom Roebuck.
Further reading:
– Autumn internationals Week 4: Rugby team news, how to watch
– England vs Japan: How to watch, team news, analysis
– Drive for Rugby World Cup three-peat binds the Springboks’ DNA
– Week 3 overreactions: England in crisis? Argentina can win 2027 Rugby World Cup?
– Watch: Who will win the Mens XV Rugby Player of the Year?