Asher Opoku-Fordjour, a prop for Sale Sharks, has been called up to the England national team. This decision comes as the team prepares for their match against Australia in the upcoming Autumn Nations Series. Opoku-Fordjour, who is just 20 years old, was part of England’s Under-20s squad that clinched victory at the World Cup earlier this year.
Opoku-Fordjour steps in for Joe Marler, who recently announced his retirement from international rugby after earning 95 caps. Additionally, Charlie Ewels from Bath replaces his club teammate Ted Hill. Harlequins' Marler, aged 34, leaves a significant gap in the squad, prompting head coach Steve Borthwick to emphasize the need for deeper resources at the prop position.
England started their autumn campaign with a close 24-22 defeat against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium. They are set to resume their series against Australia on November 9. Lock Maro Itoje expressed optimism, stating that the team is nearing a breakthrough win despite recent losses.
Itoje remarked:
“We will get there. We have to lick our wounds and take our medicine at the moment, but this team is building in a positive direction.”
He noted that although the team has faced agonizing losses, it is evolving and showing improvements in key areas of their game. Itoje emphasized:
“Sometimes in the past when we lost, they were clear losses and we were clutching at straws. I don’t feel we are clutching at straws now.”
Despite recent challenges, England remains hopeful as they aim to turn their performance around.
With fresh talent like Opoku-Fordjour joining the ranks, England looks to build on their experiences and enhance their gameplay as they face formidable opponents like Australia. The journey ahead promises to be pivotal for both emerging players and seasoned veterans alike.
Trump’s Tariff Plans: A Day-One Agenda Against Drug and Human Trafficking In a bold move to combat drug and human smuggling, President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose significant tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China immediately after his inauguration on January 20.
Government Unveils “Get Britain Working” Initiative to Combat Unemployment In a bid to rejuvenate the UK job market, the government has introduced its ambitious “Get Britain Working” initiative, promising extensive reforms aimed at reducing the benefits bill and increasing employment.