George Ford has been recalled to start at flyhalf for England’s heavyweight showdown with New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday.

Ford is one of seven changes to Steve Borthwick’s side from the one that beat Fiji last weekend.

The Sale Sharks pivot, who guided England to victory over Australia earlier this month, returns in place of Fin Smith, with Borthwick opting for a 6-2 forwards-to-backs split on the bench. Marcus Smith drops to the replacements, while Freddie Steward comes in at fullback.

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Injury has ruled out both Tommy Freeman (hamstring) and Ollie Chessum (ankle), opening the door for Tom Roebuck to start on the wing and Alex Coles to partner captain Maro Itoje in the second row. Sam Underhill also returns to the back row, with Chandler Cunningham-South shifting to the bench.

“I’m pleased with the progress we are making,” said Borthwick. “Without doubt, New Zealand are one of the best teams in the world and facing them is always a special challenge.”

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England wrap up their November series against Argentina at Twickenham next weekend.

ENGLAND – 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Guy Pepper, 5 Alex Coles, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George, 1 Fin Baxter.
Bench: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Marcus Smith.

Ready to go 🌹

Steve Borthwick has named his 23-player squad for our next clash with the All Blacks at @allianz_stad.@O2 | #WearTheRose

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 11, 2025

Photo: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images