England’s preparations for their highly anticipated clash with New Zealand at Twickenham have been dealt a major blow, with Ollie Chessum and Tommy Freeman emerging as serious injury doubts. Both players missed training on Monday, leaving their availability for Saturday’s Test uncertain and creating fresh selection headaches for head coach Steve Borthwick.
Chessum is nursing a foot injury and was seen on crutches following the 38-18 victory over Fiji. The second-row forward was substituted late in the match, and his absence would leave a gap in England’s pack. Should he be ruled out, Alex Coles is expected to step in alongside Maro Itoje in the second row, with Chandler Cunningham-South likely to provide cover from the bench.
Freeman, meanwhile, is battling a hamstring problem picked up in the same match. The 24-year-old has become a vital part of England’s backline, featuring in every match he has been fit for since early 2024. His potential absence would significantly weaken England’s attacking threat, especially given his versatility across the backline.
England’s back-three options are also under scrutiny. Freddie Steward and Tom Roebuck, who both missed the Fiji match through injury, have returned to training but are not guaranteed to feature. Elliot Daly is also back in full training, though he has not played since fracturing his arm during the British & Irish Lions tour in June. Throwing him straight into action against the All Blacks would be a major gamble.
If Freeman is unavailable, Roebuck is the most likely candidate to take his place on the wing, while Ollie Lawrence could retain the No. 13 jersey. Marcus Smith’s role at full-back could also continue if Steward or Daly are not ready to start.
Borthwick is expected to make changes in the back row, with Sam Underhill and Tom Curry both pushing for starting roles. Underhill’s physicality and experience against New Zealand could prove vital, especially as England look to end a run of three consecutive defeats to the All Blacks.
England enter the fixture on the back of nine straight wins but have not beaten New Zealand at Twickenham since 2012. With key players facing fitness battles, Borthwick’s selection choices could be crucial in determining whether that long wait finally ends.
