Itoje returns as England name 36-man autumn squad but Sale pair Lawes and Marchant left out

Maro Itoje has been named in England’s 36-man training squad for the autumn internationals, with head coach Steve Borthwick assembling his group for a three-day camp beginning Sunday ahead of the November 8 opener against Australia at Allianz Stadium.

The Saracens lock was rested for England’s Nations Championship fixtures against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina over the summer and is expected to resume the captaincy against the Wallabies, with Jamie George having filled the role in his absence.

Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant are the notable absentees. Both have recently returned to the Gallagher Premiership — Lawes from Brive and Marchant from Stade Français — after stints in France that effectively paused their international careers. Borthwick is understood to want to monitor their reintegration into club rugby before considering a recall. Lawes, a veteran of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, would bring significant experience and leadership to the squad, making his situation one to watch as the autumn series progresses.

Prop Fin Baxter is back in contention after a series of foot injuries kept him sidelined since December. Scrum-half Archie McParland, who was set to tour in the summer before a leg wound sustained in Northampton’s Premiership final win over Exeter ruled him out, earns a place alongside fellow uncapped back Kepueli Tuipulotu. With established half-backs Alex Mitchell (hamstring) and Ben Spencer (shoulder) both rehabbing at their clubs, McParland has a clear opportunity to press his case.

Max Ojomoh (calf) and Noah Clauori (wrist) are unavailable through injury, while Tom Roebuck misses out due to a club commitment with Sale on Sunday. Jamie George and Ollie Chessum have joined the camp but are receiving treatment for groin and foot issues respectively.