As the Autumn Nations Series heats up, England is set to clash with Japan at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Sunday, November 24, with kick-off scheduled for 16:10 GMT. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams gear up for competition. Fans can tune in for live commentary via BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds, while live updates will be available on the BBC Sport website and app.
England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, has made several notable changes to the lineup following a series of disappointing performances. The back row will see the return of Tom Curry alongside Sam Underhill, a duo affectionately dubbed the Kamikaze Kids by former coach Eddie Jones. Curry, recovering from a concussion, takes over the blind-side flank, pushing Chandler Cunningham-South to the bench.
In addition to Curry’s return, George Furbank replaces Freddie Steward at full-back. The bench will also feature Sale’s promising young prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour, who is poised for his debut, while experienced tight-head Dan Cole has been omitted from the matchday squad. Fin Smith has been selected as the backup fly-half in place of George Ford.
Borthwick acknowledged Japan’s potential threat, emphasizing the importance of executing their game plan and maintaining focus throughout the match. He remarked on Japan’s ability to play at a high tempo and their knack for posing challenges to their opponents.
Despite facing a five-match losing streak, England enters this match as heavy favorites against Japan—who were last defeated by England back in June.
With both teams preparing for an intense showdown, this match represents a critical turning point for England following their recent struggles. The upcoming game not only offers an opportunity to halt their losing streak but also serves as a platform for players like Curry and Opoku-Fordjour to prove their mettle on an international stage.
As the match approaches, all eyes will be on how effectively England can implement their strategies against a dynamic Japanese side known for its agility and speed. With significant implications for morale and momentum heading into future fixtures, this encounter could set the tone for England’s performance in the remainder of the Autumn Nations Series.
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