Eddie Jones has included 21 uncapped players in his initial 34-man squad for Tests against the United States and Canada, giving them an opportunity to make their mark in the absence of a host of unavailable regulars.
Jones will be without 12 players involved in the British & Irish Lions squad, while those at the four Premiership semifinalists (Bristol Bears, Exeter Chiefs, Harlequins and Sale Sharks) will come into the picture later this month. Others, including Leicester fly-half George Ford, will not be involved having been given the summer to rest and recover.
England had been due to tour North America this summer, but COVID-19 forced a flip of the fixtures to Twickenham, with the first against the U.S. on July 4 and then Canada on July 10.
Among the uncapped players are Bath duo Tom de Glanville and Max Ojomoh, sons of former England pair Phil de Glanville, who was also captain, and Steve Ojomoh.
Flanker Sam Underhill, who has not played for England this year because of injury, returns to the squad, while 28-cap prop Ellis Genge finds himself as the most experienced player involved.
“For this group it’s a chance to come into the England environment and really show what they can do. We expect them to be enthusiastic, full of energy and we want them to know there is no limit to their horizon,” Jones said.
“There is a lot of talent in this squad but the challenge for them is to turn talent into performance. We’re really looking forward to working with this group of young players and seeing where we can take them. They have the opportunity to take on the world.”
England squad:
Forwards:
Jamie Blamire, Callum Chick, Trevor Davison, Charlie Ewels, Ellis Genge, Joe Heyes, Paul Hill, Ted Hill, Lewis Ludlam, Lewis Ludlow, George Martin, Chunya Munga, Beno Obano, Miles Reid, Sean Robinson, Jack Singleton, Sam Underhill, Harry Wells, Tom Willis
Backs:
Josh Bassett, Joe Cokanasiga, Tom de Glanville, Fraser Dingwall, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Dan Kelly, Ollie Lawrence, Alex Mitchell, Max Ojomoh, Tom Parton, Adam Radwan, Dan Robson, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward, Jacob Umaga