England Squad Selection: Ford Leads Against Australia
Key Points
- George Ford starts at fly-half in England’s squad selection for the Australia Test on November 2, 2025, at Allianz Stadium.
- Tommy Freeman shifts to outside centre with Fraser Dingwall; Marcus Smith is omitted from the 23.
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tom Roebuck flank wings; Freddie Steward at full-back rewards summer form.
- Sam Underhill, Guy Pepper, and Ben Earl form the back row; Luke Cowan-Dickie eyes his 50th cap.
- England’s squad selection rewards Argentina tour performers, with Fin Smith on the bench.
A Bold Lineup
England’s squad selection blends experience and form to kick off the autumn internationals against Australia.
Tour Rewards
England’s squad selection prioritizes summer consistency, setting an aggressive tone for the series.
England Squad Selection: Key Choices for Australia Clash
Fly-Half and Midfield Decisions
England’s squad selection names George Ford at 10 for the November 2, 2025, Test at Allianz Stadium. The 102-cap Sale Sharks veteran, co-captain on the Argentina tour, guided wins over the Pumas and USA. Fin Smith benches; Marcus Smith misses out entirely. Tommy Freeman moves from wing—where he started all three Lions Tests—to outside centre, partnering Northampton teammate Fraser Dingwall. “He’ll be as good at 13,” scrum-half Alex Mitchell said. Dingwall, 26, starred in March’s Six Nations Wales win. Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence, post-injury, are overlooked. England’s squad selection favors current Premiership form.
Back Three and Backs
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, with seven Premiership tries despite suspension, starts left wing. Tom Roebuck, reliable since debuting last year with two Argentina tries, takes right wing. Freddie Steward’s full-back try in each Pumas Test earns his spot over Marcus Smith’s Six Nations role there. Uncapped Noah Caluori, after five Premiership tries, stays out. Alex Mitchell scrummages; Maro Itoje captains. England’s squad selection builds attacking threats with speed and height.
Forward Pack Dynamics
The pack features Bath’s Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill flanking Saracens’ Ben Earl at eight. Underhill started both Pumas Tests; Pepper’s bench try sealed the series. At 6ft 3in, Pepper adds lineout options beside Itoje and Ollie Chessum. Props Ethan Baxter, Jamie George, and Will Heyes front the scrum. England’s squad selection emphasizes breakdown strength and physicality.
Bench Impact and Lions Influence
Replacements include Luke Cowan-Dickie (potential 50th cap), Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Charlie Coles, Tom Curry (season debut), Henry Pollock, Harry Spencer, and Fin Smith. Six Lions tourists bolster finishers, addressing late losses last autumn to Australia and New Zealand. Pollock, 20, brings energy. England’s squad selection ensures depth for a strong close.
Context of Summer Success
With both Smiths on Lions duty, Ford led England to consistent highs absent in prior seasons. Marcus Smith subbed in Australia’s first Test, mostly at full-back; Fin Smith missed Test action. Borthwick rewards tour leadership. Pepper and Underhill’s starts sideline Pollock initially. England’s squad selection reflects a balanced, form-driven approach.
Key Data: England Squad Selection (November 2, 2025)
| Position | Starters | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fly-Half | George Ford | 102 caps, Argentina tour co-captain |
| Centres | Freeman, Dingwall | Freeman from wing; Dingwall Six Nations start |
| Wings/Full-Back | Feyi-Waboso, Roebuck, Steward | 7 Prem tries for Feyi-Waboso |
| Back Row | Pepper, Underhill, Earl | Pepper lineout option |
| Bench Highlights | Cowan-Dickie (50th cap?), T Curry, Pollock | 6 Lions tourists |
Looking Ahead
England’s squad selection sets an ambitious tone against Australia. Freeman’s centre shift excites; Ford’s control is key. “One hell of a player,” Mitchell praised. With depth to avoid collapses, England’s squad selection aims for a winning autumn start. Fans on X buzz: “Ford’s experience wins it.”
