Henry Slade, who missed out on the 2023 Rugby World Cup selection, is now a crucial component of head coach Steve Borthwick’s strategy as England prepares to face New Zealand in the Autumn Nations Series. This match will take place at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday, November 2, with kick-off scheduled for 15:10 GMT. Fans can tune in for live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and follow updates via the BBC Sport website and app.

Despite having only played 54 minutes of club rugby this season due to shoulder surgery over the summer, Slade is set to start in England’s midfield against New Zealand. He made his return to the field last weekend during Exeter’s match against Harlequins.

In other lineup changes, Ben Spencer will start as scrum-half in place of the injured Alex Mitchell, while Bristol’s Harry Randall will be on the bench. Tom Curry joins Chandler Cunningham-South and Ben Earl in the back row, with Curry’s brother, Ben, included as one of six forwards available for substitution.

George Ford has recovered from a quad injury and is also named on the bench; however, Sam Underhill, who played in both of England’s losses during their June tour in New Zealand, does not make it into the matchday squad. Additionally, Ellis Genge returns at loose-head prop after missing the summer tour due to a calf issue and has been appointed as one of four vice-captains alongside captain Jamie George.

The England squad for this match includes: Furbank; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; M Smith, Spencer; Genge, George (captain), Stuart; Itoje, Martin; Cunningham-South, T Curry, Earl. The replacements consist of Dan, Baxter, Cole, Isiekwe, B Curry, Dombrandt, Randall, and Ford.

As England gears up for this significant clash against New Zealand, all eyes will be on how Slade performs after his injury layoff and whether he can help lead his team to victory against a formidable opponent.