England center Fraser Dingwall has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Argentina at the Allianz Stadium, with Max Ozomo replacing him.
But coach Steve Borthwick has recalled Elliot Daly, making his first appearance for England since fracturing his forearm while representing the British and Irish Lions on this summer’s tour of Australia.
In addition to ending Daly’s Lions tour, an injury sustained against the Queensland Reds on July 2 required a plate containing 16 screws to be inserted.
Daly’s selection on the wing was one of six changes to the England side that started Saturday’s 33-19 win over New Zealand. It was a bruising encounter that saw Tom Roebuck, Ollie Lawrence and Jamie George suffer fall injuries.
The knock-on effect would see Henry Slade take Lawrence’s place at outside center and form a midfield combination with Fraser Dingwall.
Daly scored England’s final winning try against France in the 2025 Six Nations.
Luke Cowan-Dickie comes on at hooker to fill the void left by George’s hamstring problem, while Ellis Genge and Asher Opoku-Fordjour join a new-look starting front row.
The final change came with Ben Spencer replacing scrumhalf as Alex Mitchell was dropped to the bench.
Maro Itoje captains the side in the second row, supported by vice-captain Genge and flyhalf George Ford. George Ford retains his place after being man-of-the-match against the All Blacks.
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Sky Sports’ James Cole and Jack Wilkinson praised coaches George Ford and Steve Borthwick as they analyzed England’s impressive win over New Zealand.
England has already beaten Australia, Fiji and New Zealand this month and is aiming for its 11th consecutive win and a big win in the fall.
Argentina arrive at Twickenham after beating Scotland 21-0 in Edinburgh to win 33-24.
“Last weekend gave us a lot of groundwork. The challenge now is to take our performance further,” Borthwick said.
Argentina stunned Scotland with a stunning second-half comeback at Murrayfield last weekend.
“Argentina play with emotion and stamina and have shown this year that they can beat the best in world rugby. We know how dangerous they can be and we are preparing for a fiercely contested Test match.
“We have felt special support at the Allianz Stadium throughout this series, which will provide a real boost to the players and hopefully create lasting memories for our supporters on Sunday.”
Daily champion after ‘longest injury’
“It’s been a long time coming, but I feel good. I’ve been training with the team for six to eight weeks now,” Saracens’ Daly said. Sky Sports News.
“I’ve really enjoyed it, but I’m excited for the opportunity and I hope I can add to what the team has already done.”
He continued, “Ultimately, it’s rugby. That’s how I see it. At first, I thought it would take about four months, but it’s been a little longer, so I think it’s probably the longest injury I’ve ever had.
“I felt really good, but it was one of those places where I needed to let the bone heal. I didn’t have much contact until the last month, but I’ve been able to get a lot done. I’m looking forward to getting back out there with the boys.”
Borthwick: Daly will be key for England at 2027 World Cup
Daly will be making his first appearance since the British and Irish Lions tour.
Borthwick has backed Daly to remain an influential figure for England through the 2027 World Cup and beyond.
The England manager believes the 73-game veteran’s recent retreat from the game will prolong his career, as will his rugby intelligence.
“Elliot has had an unbelievable recovery period. He looks fresh, energetic and full of energy. He can’t wait to get away,” the England manager said. “I have no doubt he will be here for the next few years leading up to the World Cup and someone who reads the game like he can do more than that.
“A player who reads the game like he does, a smart rugby player, can play later in his career so that’s an important aspect. We spoke in the summer and I told him how highly I rate him and that I hope he will be a part of the England squad for the next period.”
“Experience is very important in Test rugby and you can see that with this team now. When you’re down 12-0 on the scoreboard, these are the players who have been there, done it, experienced and are worthy of a gold medal. Elliott is one of them. He has played in several World Cups, played in various Lions series and won many trophies. I value that immensely.
“He is one of the most senior players we have, so he is someone I bounce ideas off of and talk to regularly about where the team should be. There are still a lot of young players in our squad who look up to senior players like him as role models.”
England national team against Argentina
XV starts: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Emmanuel Fay-Waboso, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Elliott Daly, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Spencer; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 Alex Coles, 6 Guy Pepper, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Ben Earl.
shift: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Finn Baxter, 18 Will Stewart, 19 Charlie Ewells, 20 Tom Currie, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Alex Mitchell, 23 Marcus Smith.
England Autumn Nations Series Schedule
November 1st
England 25-7 Australia
November 8
England 38-18 Fiji
November 15th
England 33-19 New Zealand
November 23rd
England v Argentina – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (4.10pm)
